Healthy, Tangy BBQ Sauce

By the Gracious Vegan

This sauce goes with everything and makes a lovely gift for friends and family. It’s smooth, thick, and doesn’t have a dominant tomato flavor. With no added oil or sugar, it’s also healthy and can be slathered onto so many foods guilt-free. I like to stir a few tablespoons into mayonnaise (see my Tofu-Cashew Mayonnaise, No Oil if you want to make your own) for a wonderful dip or sandwich spread. Or I combine some with hummus for a lovely sauce for steamed vegetables. You can also baste tofu with this for baking (Baked Tofu).

Makes about 1 + 1/3 cups

In a medium-large saucepan, whisk together the dry spices.

• 1 Tablespoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon ground dry mustard

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/4 teaspoon (or more) freshly ground black pepper

• 1/8 teaspoon (or more) cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes

Whisk the tomato sauce into the dry spices until smooth. 

• 1 cup tomato sauce (one 8-ounce can)

Whisk in the remaining ingredients. 

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 3 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 Tablespoon molasses

• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 teaspoons soy sauce or tamari

• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke

Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn it down to a low simmer. Simmer the sauce, uncovered, stirring about every 5 minutes, on low for 25-30 minutes or until thickened to your taste – it will thicken a bit more as it cools. Remove from heat and cool. Store in the refrigerator (up to a week). It also freezes well. 

Timing: About 45 minutes

Gluten-free