Name: Simple Sweet and Tangy Barbecue Sauce
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: Serves 4 (Makes about 1 1/2 cups)
Ingredients: 1 medium onion, peeled and quartered; 1 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 5 tablespoons molasses; 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 1/2 teaspoons liquid smoke (optional); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 medium clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Why This Recipe Works

When developing our recipe for homemade barbecue sauce, we found that pantry staples were sufficient to make a superior sauce. We started with ketchup and molasses and added cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. Grating the onions into a smooth puree allowed us to add onion flavor without distracting bits. Cooking the garlic and spices in a little oil bloomed their flavors in our homemade barbecue sauce recipe.

Instructions

Process onion and 1/4 cup water in workbowl of food processor fitted with steel blade until pureed and mixture resembles slush, about 30 seconds. Strain mixture through fine-mesh strainer into liquid measuring cup, pressing on solids with rubber spatula to obtain 1/2 cup juice. Discard solids in strainer.

Whisk onion juice, ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire, mustard, molasses, hot pepper sauce, black pepper, and liquid smoke (if using) in medium bowl.

Heat oil in large nonreactive saucepan over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add garlic, chili powder, and cayenne pepper; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in ketchup mixture and bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently, uncovered, until flavors meld and sauce is thickened, about 25 minutes. Cool sauce to room temperature before using. (Can be covered and refrigerated for up to 7 days.)