Barbecue Sauce from Dinah's Kitchen

Dinah's Kitchen Barbecue Sauce Recipe with Onion, Garlic, and Chili Powder

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 10-12

Introduction

Welcome to Dinah's Kitchen, where we're excited to share with you our beloved recipe for homemade Barbecue Sauce. This sauce is a versatile condiment that can elevate any grilled or baked dish, infusing it with a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're a barbecue aficionado or just looking to add some zest to your meals, this recipe is for you. Follow along as we delve into the history, cooking tips, and nutritional information of this delightful sauce.

History

The origins of barbecue sauce can be traced back to the early days of American history, with variations evolving regionally across the United States. Our recipe draws inspiration from traditional methods, incorporating a blend of spices, vinegar, and tomato sauce to create a perfect balance of flavors. Over the years, we've tweaked and perfected our recipe to bring you the version we have today, a testament to the rich culinary heritage of barbecue.

Ingredients

2 onions, quartered
8 cloves garlic, halved
4 tsp chili powder
1 cup oil
1.25 cup white vinegar
1 cup tomato ketchup
4 cans tomato sauce (8 oz (227 g) each)
10 to 12 little red chili peppers
salt to taste
1 tsp paprika
2 heaping teaspoons prepared mustard
1 tsp black pepper

How to prepare

Combine all the ingredients.
Cook for at least 1 hour. It is even better if cooked for 2 hours.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adding ingredients like brown sugar for sweetness, apple cider vinegar for tanginess, or Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your barbecue sauce comes out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Slow cook the sauce to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

- Adjust the amount of chili peppers based on your preferred spice level.

- Use high-quality ketchup and tomato sauce for the best taste.

- For a smoother sauce, blend the cooked mixture before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This barbecue sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, such as chicken, beef, or pork. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for fries or as a flavorful addition to burgers and sandwiches.

Cooking Techniques

For the best results, cook the sauce on low heat for a longer period. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a richer and more complex sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of white vinegar, apple cider vinegar makes a great substitute. Maple syrup or honey can replace ketchup for a natural sweetness, and smoked paprika can be used in place of regular paprika for an added smoky flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This barbecue sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sauce in a rustic jar or bowl, accompanied by a basting brush for easy application on grilled foods. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs for a touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

This sauce pairs beautifully with robust red wines or smoky beers that can complement its rich flavors. For non-alcoholic options, consider iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat until it reaches the desired temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this barbecue sauce contains approximately 50-70 calories, making it a low-calorie option to add flavor to your dishes without significantly increasing your calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

This barbecue sauce is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the ketchup and tomato sauce. Each serving contains approximately 10-15 grams of carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those monitoring their carb intake.

Fats

The main source of fat in this recipe comes from the oil used in the cooking process. However, since the sauce is spread thinly over food, the fat content per serving is minimal, contributing to a healthier dietary choice.

Proteins

This sauce contains negligible amounts of protein, as it is primarily composed of vegetables and condiments. It is not a significant source of protein in a diet.

Vitamins and minerals

Our barbecue sauce is a good source of vitamins A and C, thanks to the onions, garlic, and tomato sauce. These vitamins are essential for maintaining good health, supporting the immune system, and ensuring healthy vision.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten. However, those with sensitivities to nightshades should exercise caution due to the tomato and chili pepper content.

Summary

Overall, this barbecue sauce is a flavorful, low-calorie option that adds a burst of taste to your meals without compromising on health. It's rich in certain vitamins and low in carbohydrates and fats, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.

Summary

Our homemade Barbecue Sauce is a testament to the rich tradition of American barbecue, offering a perfect blend of flavors that can enhance any meal. With its low calorie and carbohydrate content, it's a healthy option that doesn't sacrifice taste. Whether you're grilling up a storm or just looking to add some flavor to your dishes, this sauce is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Barbecue Sauce from Dinah's Kitchen. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my friend Dinah for our weekly cooking exchange. Dinah was known throughout our small town for her delicious BBQ sauce, and I had been trying to get my hands on her secret recipe for years.

As I walked into Dinah's kitchen, I could smell the sweet and savory aroma of her famous sauce wafting through the air. I knew that today was the day I would finally learn the secret behind her culinary masterpiece.

Dinah greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and we immediately got to work in the kitchen. She handed me a pen and a piece of paper, and told me to write down every ingredient and step she used in making the sauce. I eagerly took notes as she poured in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a secret blend of spices that she had mixed together herself.

As the sauce simmered on the stove, Dinah began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained that it had been passed down through generations in her family, and that each cook had added their own unique touch to it over the years. She had perfected the recipe through trial and error, and now it was her signature dish.

I listened intently as Dinah shared her memories of making the sauce with her grandmother as a young girl. She told me how they would spend hours in the kitchen together, laughing and bonding over their love of cooking. The sauce became a symbol of their relationship, a tradition that would be passed down for generations to come.

As we sat down to enjoy a meal of BBQ chicken smothered in Dinah's famous sauce, I felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to learn from such a talented chef. I knew that I would cherish this recipe for years to come, and that it would become a staple in my own kitchen.

After our meal, I thanked Dinah for sharing her recipe with me and promised to keep it safe and pass it on to future generations. She smiled and hugged me tightly, knowing that her family's legacy would live on through my cooking.

And so, that is how I learned to make Barbecue Sauce from Dinah's Kitchen. It is a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. I am grateful for the chance to carry on this tradition and share it with my own loved ones, knowing that each bite of BBQ chicken will be infused with the love and history of Dinah's Kitchen.