Lena Mae's Chili Sauce Recipe

Name: Lena Mae's Chili Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 10 lbs tomatoes, fully ripe; 3 cups celery, finely chopped; 2 cups onions, finely chopped; 2 cups bell peppers, green, finely chopped; 5 inches cinnamon sticks; 1 ½ teaspoons whole cloves; 5 teaspoons dry mustard; 1 lb light brown sugar; 3 cups cider vinegar; ½ teaspoon chili powder

Servings: persons

1
Scald the tomatoes for 1-2 minutes in boiling water and remove the skins.
2
Cut out the stem ends and then cut the tomatoes into chunks.
3
In an 8-quart saucepot over medium-high heat, cook the tomatoes, stirring often until the mix is quite juicy, about 15 minutes.
4
Next, add the celery, onions and green bell peppers.
5
Bring to a gentle boil, uncovered, stirring as necessary for 90 minutes.
6
After the 90 minutes, tie the cinnamon and cloves in a cheesecloth and add it to the mix.
7
Stir in the dry mustard, sugar, vinegar and salt, Return to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, stirring often for 90 more minutes.
8
After the 90 minutes, stir in the chili powder and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 30 minutes longer.
9
Remove spice bag and pour into hot, sterilized 1-pint canning jars with 2-pieces caps, leaving 1/2-inch of headspace.
10
Screw lids tight and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
11
After the jars are removed from the bath, allow them to sit separated a bit on a towel until you hear all the lids pop down.

1094

kcal

Calories

Fat

282

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 10 lbs tomatoes, fully ripe, 3 cups celery, finely chopped, 2 cups onions, finely chopped, 2 cups bell peppers, green, finely chopped, and more.

Yes, Lena Mae's Chili Sauce falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Lena Mae's Chili Sauce

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions