Absolutely! 🌶️ Let’s dive into the flavorful world of Mel’s Chili Sauce, a delightful concoction passed down from Mel’s mom. Bursting with the zesty essence of tomatoes, the sweetness of peppers, and the aromatic dance of spices, this sauce is the secret behind legendary sloppy joes and the perfect accompaniment to eggs rancheros.
Mel’s Chili Sauce Recipe
🕒 Time Table:
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 2 hours | 2 hours 30 minutes |
🍴 Servings: 12-16 pint jars
Ingredients:
- 24 tomatoes
- 4 green bell peppers
- 2 red bell peppers
- 5 yellow onions
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 1/2 cups vinegar
- 2 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1 stalk celery
Instructions:
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Prepare the Goodness:
- Gather all your ingredients in a non-aluminum pot. (Remember, this recipe packs an acidic punch!)
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Simmer to Perfection:
- Over medium heat, let the ingredients simmer away. Stir occasionally and give those veggies a gentle mash as they cook down into a delectable symphony of flavors.
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Thicken the Magic:
- Allow the mixture to cook and thicken, infusing your kitchen with irresistible aromas. This typically takes about an hour of simmering.
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Jar it Up:
- Once your sauce has reached the perfect consistency, it’s time to bottle it. Pour the goodness into 1-pint (or 1/2-liter) canning jars.
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Seal the Deal:
- Let the jars cool a bit, then seal them using the hot-water canning method. This step ensures your sauce stays fresh and flavorful for whenever you’re ready to indulge.
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Sloppy Joe Hack:
- Note: For those times when you want a smaller batch of sloppy joes, you can also use 1/2-pint (or 1/4-liter) jars. Perfect for a cozy dinner with 1 pound of ground beef!
Usage Suggestions:
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Sloppy Joe Sensation: Dive into the world of Mel’s Sloppy Joes (recipe #69795), where this chili sauce transforms ordinary ground beef into a saucy, savory delight.
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Eggs Rancheros Adventure: Drizzle this sauce over your eggs rancheros for a Southwestern twist that will have your taste buds dancing.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 295.1
- Fat: 1.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 1792.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 69.1g
- Fiber: 6.7g
- Sugar: 58.4g
- Protein: 4.5g
Chef’s Tips:
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Quality Ingredients: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes and vibrant bell peppers for the best flavor.
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Adjust Spices: Feel free to tweak the spice levels to suit your taste buds. Add a pinch more cinnamon for warmth or amp up the cloves for a zesty kick.
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Canning Confidence: If you’re new to canning, fear not! There are plenty of resources online to guide you through the process. Just ensure your jars are sterilized and follow proper canning techniques for safe storage.
Get Saucy with Mel’s Chili Sauce!
Mel’s Chili Sauce is not just a condiment—it’s a flavor-packed journey through generations of culinary love. Whether you’re whipping up a batch of iconic sloppy joes or adding a Southwestern flair to your breakfast, this sauce is your ticket to homemade deliciousness. So, grab those fresh ingredients, simmer up a storm, and savor every spoonful of Mel’s Chili Sauce magic! 🌶️✨
