Barbecue season is already in session! Unfortunately many of the sauces we use to season and spice our BBQ are ridden with sugar and preservatives. Even the best keto recipes I have seen contain a sugar alcohol sweetener. This alternative recipe uses a slow cooking method to bring out the sweetness of the onion and tomatoes. If you are new to sugar free, there is also the option to add a bit of honey for a bit more sweetness. Enjoy on chicken, meat, portobello burgers, or even a cauliflower pizza.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Makes: 1.5 cups
Ingredients
6 plum tomatoes, seeded
⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp Braggs Liquid Aminos
¼ tsp mustard powder
1 Tbsp blackstrap molasses
¼ of dried chipotle pepper, increase as you enjoy spiciness
2 ½ tsp chili powder, increase as you enjoy smokiness
½ tsp cinnamon
⅛ tsp of cumin
⅛ tsp cloves
½ small yellow onion, grated
1 large garlic clove, grated
1 tsp Himalayan salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
¼ cup of honey (optional)
Preparation
It is important to remember that the purpose of barbecue sauce is to add sweetness to the item that you are cooking. This natural version has a depth in flavour, created by the spiciness of the peppers combined with the spices. We are not including refined sugars- so the molasses and mustard with Braggs Aminos make a nice substitute for Worcestershire sauce, which is a traditional staple in these recipes. The apple of the vinegar and caramelized onions, from the length of cooking, also add a subtle sweetness. Honey can be added at the end of cooking, if you wish it to be even sweeter- but taste it beforehand in case it is not necessary.
First, puree all of the ingredients except the honey in a blender (or food processor). This liquifies the peppers, tomatoes and onions, but to also get all of the flavors to come together as they cook. Have a little taste, and depending on your preference, add more chipotle for heat and chilli powder for smoke. Remember that this 3 cups of liquid will simmer down to about half the volume, and the flavours will intensify with cooking.
From the blender, immediately pour the sauce into a small saucepan and slowly simmer over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and let simmer on low, stirring frequently, about once every 10-15 minutes to incorporate the flavours.
Continue to cook, uncovered, for about an hour. As you get used to this recipe, you can adapt it as you like. Generally, this recipe is enough to coat meat for 4-6 people.
After the sauce has cooled slightly, whisk in the honey, if using. Start with a tablespoon or two and gradually increase to desired sweetness.
To use the sauce on meat or vegetables, wait until it is near done, crank up the heat to high and slather on the sauce. Heat it for about 5-10 minutes on each side or until it bubbles. Transfer unused sauce to an airtight storage container. Store your sauce in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Want to save a Printable version? Download it here: CHIPOTLE BARBECUE SAUCE
6 thoughts on “Smoky Chipotle Barbecue Sauce”
Ariel:
Where do you find Braggs Liquid Aminos (which I don’t even know what that is) and Blackstrap molasses? Amazon?? I live in US. With limited availability to unique items. 🙂
Hey Lori! Braggs Liquid Aminos (or Coconut aminos) are a soy-free alternative to soy or tamari sauce. Blackstrap Molasses is unsweetened and unfiltered molasses- rich in minerals and the sugar cane equivalent of maple syrup. Fancy Molasses, which you may see more often, usually contains much more sugar and additives, so is not a suitable alternative. In the US they are available at Whole Foods and other health food stores- and yes, on Amazon too. These have become staples in my healthy pantry, I use them often and for many recipes. I hope you will find the same!
Yes Amazon carries both. Braggs Liquid Aminos is usually at Whole Foods and New Seasons as well.
I would still opt for a non soy product period… go with the coconut aminos
Braggs even though it is non GMO is still soy [known as a endocrine disruptor = messes with hormones]
If you are diabetic you can use Yacon syrup in place of blackstrap molasses. It can be purchased on amazon as well.
Is this a recipe that can be “canned” and stored for later?