Smoky Crimson BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

• • 1 tbsp olive oil
• • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• • 3 cloves garlic, minced
• • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• • 1/4 cup molasses
• • 2-3 canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (plus 1 tbsp of the adobo sauce)
• • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• • 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• • Salt to taste

Instructions

1. 1 Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. 2 Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. 3 Stir in all the remaining ingredients: tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cumin.
4. 4 Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
5. 5 For a smooth consistency, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce directly in the pot. Alternatively, let it cool slightly and blend in a traditional blender.
6. 6 Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt or more brown sugar if needed. Serve warm or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.