When I saw homemade barbecue sauce on Angela‘s blog last week, I knew it was going to be my next “make it homemade” installment. Because what is more perfect in the warm summer months than a nice outdoor bbq dinner? Ok, watermelon. But besides watermelon, barbecues are a quintessential part of summer and I don’t know about you but I LOVE barbecue sauce.
I love it on everything, not just a good veggie burger (though it is the best on those). Unfortunately, most bbq sauces are full of not-so-healthy stuff like high fructose corn syrup and a ridiculous amount of sodium. So making it homemade is the easiest way to get the flavor you want, without any crap-tastic additives.
The recipe Angela used to derive her version was from Veganomicon, and I further edited it by using a little stevia instead of cane sugar and switching out the white vinegar for all apple cider. It still came out fabulous, and packed with vitamins, minerals (molasses!) and phytonutrients (hello lycopene from tomatoes) and it tastes GREAT. Now, I can put my bbq on anything and everthing and not worry about chemicals. It’s also way cheaper! That’s my kind of condiment.
Homemade BBQ sauce
Modified from Oh She Glows, based on Veganomicon
1 medium sweet onion, diced
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, crushed
dash of cayenne (optional)
28 oz crushed tomatoes
1/3 cup blackstrap molasses
6 tbsp apple cider vinegar
pinch stevia (to taste)
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
1. Sautee onion in olive oil until translucent. Add garlic and sautee until soft but not golden.
2. Add spices, tomatoes, molasses, vinegar and stevia. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes.
3. After tomato mixture has reduced slightly, stir in mustard. Add liquid smoke if using and season to taste. Puree in a blender or food processor.
Store in the fridge. Makes about 2 1/2 cups- enough to last you more than one barbecue!
My favorite way to use it? Dressing Meghan‘s Almond flax burgers from her Grain-Free class. Delish!
What is your favorite condiment?
xo
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
My favorite condiment would be mayo, I just love the stuff! But barbecue sauce probably comes in a close second. I like it hot and smoky, not too sweet. I’ve never tried making my own, but your recipe looks so tasty I’m going to have to give it a try.
I am currently on a summer bbq tour across Texas….but love piddling around the house trying my own stuff….thanks for the idea….
I have been wanting to make a sugar-free bbq sauce for ages- thank you! I need to try this!! (Or have you for dinner, I provide the grub, you bring the bbq sauce?)
Can I request a homemade sugar free ketchup recipe?