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Homemade Chili Sauce

A rich and flavorful chili sauce perfect for enhancing your favorite dishes, from tacos to grilled meats.
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Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: Chili Sauce, homemade sauce, Spicy Sauce
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 30kcal

Ingredients

For the Chili Sauce Base

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Extra virgin for enhanced flavor
  • 1 medium Onion Finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 2 cups Tomatoes Canned, crushed or diced
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper Finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste For depth of flavor

For the Spice Blend

  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Ground
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked for a richer taste
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Oregano Dried
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Optional for extra heat
  • 1 teaspoon Salt To taste
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar To balance acidity

For the Finishing Touches

  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar For acidity
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce For depth of flavor

Instructions

Prepare the Base

  • In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. This helps to sauté the onions and garlic, releasing their flavors.
  • Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Add the red bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste, stirring to combine. This creates a rich base for the sauce.

Add the Spices

  • Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and sugar. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to meld the flavors together.

Blend and Finish

  • Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly. This prevents splattering when blending.
  • Transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adjusting the consistency with a little water if necessary.
  • Return the blended sauce to the saucepan and stir in the apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Heat over low for another 5 minutes to incorporate the flavors.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or sugar to balance the flavors.

Notes

Store the chili sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 30kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 150mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.5mg