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–+ servings
Fruit Chili Sauce
Fruit Chili Sauce is a sweet-and-spicy preserved condiment made from ripe tomatoes, peaches, pears, and onions simmered slowly with vinegar, sugar, and spices. Popular in late-summer kitchens when gardens and orchards were abundant, this style of sauce blends savory heat with natural fruit sweetness. The long simmer thickens the mixture into a rich, spoonable relish perfect for serving alongside roasted meats, burgers, or holiday dinners. Its balance of tangy vinegar and warm spice makes it both bold and comforting, ideal for canning and enjoying year-round.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course sauces
Cuisine American
Servings 80
Calories 65 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 20 ripe tomatoes (peeled and chopped)
  • 8 peaches (peeled and chopped)
  • 8 pears (peeled and chopped)
  • 6 onions (large, finely chopped)
  • 2 sweet red peppers (finely chopped)
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 quart white vinegar
  • 2 tbsp mixed pickling spices

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Produce

  • Peel the tomatoes, peaches, and pears.
  • Remove cores and seeds where necessary.

Step 2: Chop Ingredients

  • Finely chop all fruit and vegetables.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

  • Place chopped fruit and vegetables in a large heavy-bottomed pot.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

  • Add salt, sugar, vinegar, and mixed pickling spices.
  • Stir to combine thoroughly.

Step 5: Bring to a Boil

  • Place pot over medium-high heat.
  • Bring mixture to a rolling boil, stirring frequently.

Step 6: Simmer

  • Reduce heat to low.
  • Simmer 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Thicken

  • Continue cooking until mixture reaches a thick, sauce-like consistency.

Step 8: Prepare for Canning

  • Sterilize jars and lids.

Step 9: Fill Jars

  • Ladle hot sauce into sterilized jars, leaving ½ inch headspace.

Step 10: Seal and Process

  • Seal jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Step 11: Cool and Store

  • Allow jars to cool completely.
  • Store in a cool, dark place.

Tips

  • Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
  • Substitute brown sugar for a deeper molasses note.
  • Blend partially for a smoother texture.
  • Add chopped raisins for extra sweetness.
  • Use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar.
  • Include a cinnamon stick while simmering.
  • Reduce sugar slightly for a more savory profile.
  • Double batch for holiday gifting.

Nutrition

Calories: 65kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 0.5gFat: 0.1gSodium: 180mgPotassium: 110mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 850IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword canning, homemade sauce, preserves, spicy condiment, summer harvest, sweet and savory, vintage
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