Smoky BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

• ●1 Tbsp olive oil
• ●½ medium onion, finely diced
• ●2 cloves garlic, minced
• ●240 ml (1 cup) tomato sauce (passata or crushed tomatoes)
• ●3 Tbsp tomato paste
• ●60 ml (¼ cup) apple cider vinegar
• ●3 Tbsp molasses
• ●2 Tbsp brown sugar
• ●1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ●1 tsp smoked paprika
• ●1 tsp chili powder
• ●½ tsp cumin
• ●½ tsp fine sea salt
• ●¼ tsp black pepper
• ●¼ tsp cayenne (optional, for heat)

Method

1. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Add all remaining ingredients. Stir well. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. For a smooth sauce, blend with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender (vent the lid). For a chunkier sauce, leave as is.
4. Taste and adjust — more vinegar for tang, more sugar for sweetness, more cayenne for heat.
5. *Storage:** Refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. Freeze for up to 6 months.