BBQ sauces are loaded with junky ingredients – sugar, vegetable oils, weird texturizers/emulsifiers etc. – which is why I like to make my own. To be fair, homemade BBQ sauces are definitely more work than buying one at the health food store (which are often cleaner than the regular grocery store, but still contain all sorts of gums which give me migraines), but the flavour is totally worth it!
When I go to the effort of making homemade sauces I make sure to make as large a batch as my soup pot can handle. Then I freeze in 2-3 cup portions so I have sauce on hand for the next few times I want it!
This classic-style BBQ sauce is going on a huge pork shoulder for Saturday night at the cottage this weekend (see my directions for Slowcooker Pulled Pork). I have also used it on BBQ chicken wings – simply season the wings with sea salt and pepper, then grill. Toss in a bowl with some heated BBQ sauce before serving. Easy and delicious! I can guarantee that this would be amazing on ribs as well, although I haven’t made ribs yet this summer. Stay tuned!
NOTE: If you are currently avoiding nightshades, check out this recipe for a nightshade-free BBQ sauce.
- 2 tbsp fat (tallow, lard, avocado oil, ghee)
- 2 onions, roughly chopped
- 2 apples, roughly chopped (skin can stay on)
- 1 head garlic, roughly chopped
- 2 cans organic tomatoes
- ⅓ cup raw apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp GF tamari or soy-free coconut seasoning
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (optional, but definitely adds a great layer)
- 2 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Heat fat over medium high in a large soup pot.
- Add onions and apples. Sauté until onions start to turn translucent - about 7-8 minutes.
- Add in both cans of tomatoes, scraping up all the brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
- Add in remaining ingredients, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf and blend with an immersion blender.
- Let cool and store in mason jars in the freezer.
- Use on pulled pork, BBQ chicken wings, crockpot chicken thighs and ribs!
