This homemade chili sauce is a versatile, spicy condiment made from fresh ingredients like chilies, tomatoes, and garlic. It offers a balance of heat and tanginess that can enhance a variety of dishes, from snacks to hearty meals. Best of all, it's free from artificial additives, making it a healthier and tastier alternative to store-bought sauces.
This homemade chili sauce is a versatile, spicy condiment made from fresh ingredients like chilies, tomatoes, and garlic. It offers a balance of heat and tanginess that can enhance a variety of dishes, from snacks to hearty meals. Best of all, it's free from artificial additives, making it a healthier and tastier alternative to store-bought sauces.
Begin by washing the chilies and removing the stems. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can deseed some or all of the chilies.
500 g red chilies
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing them until soft and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
1 medium onion, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 cloves garlic
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and chilies. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften.
3 medium tomatoes
Add the sugar, vinegar, salt and water to the mixture. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and allow it to cook gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp vinegar, salt, 1 cup water
Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Blend the mixture in a blender or use a hand blender until you achieve a smooth, consistent texture.
Taste and adjust the seasoning or sweetness, if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more water and blend again to your desired consistency.
Pour the sauce into sterilised glass jars or bottles and allow it to cool completely before sealing.