BBQ Sauce

This uses some unusual ingredients, which gives this a slight Middle Eastern flare! They have such spectacular spices over there! If you are looking for spices and want to save a few pennies, don't forget the Little Falls Co-op!! Buying by the ounce, or just the quantity that you need is very cost effective! The have the best customer service to boot!!

                                                        copyright catmacera2012
                                                       
2 tbsp evoo
1 med onion, diced (or try a few shallots or scallion oh and even leeks would be great!!)
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 qt whole tomatoes, with juice
1 tsp dried oregano
1 c apple cider vinegar
1/4 c honey
1/2 c brown sugar
2 tbsp soy sauce*
4 tbsp fresh grated ginger
1/2 tsp cardamom seeds (1/4 tsp ground)
5 whole cloves (1/4 tsp ground)
1 1/2 tsp fennel seed (3/4 tsp ground)
1 cinnamon stick, about 3-4" (1 tsp ground)
1 tbsp light mustard seed (1 1/2 tsp ground)
1 tsp red pepper flakes, optional (more or less to taste)

If you don't have soy sauce (or like me like to control the salt of my diet) you can use 1 tbsp maple  syrup (real) and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar in place of soy sauce.

In a small skillet toast the cardamom seeds,  whole cloves, fennel seeds, cinnamon stick and mustard seed over med heat, shaking the pan to prevent scorching, for about 3 minutes or until there such a beautiful fragrant smell of these spices! Allow to cool, then grind all(EXCEPT CINNAMON STICK) to a powder in a coffee grinder or food processor. (I found a wonderful coffee grinder at the Goodwill/ARC store for $2!! so make sure to check all of our wonderful 2nd hand stores for kitchen items!!) If you don't have either one of these, don't fret! Place them in a baggy and hammer them!! Or use the ground version and skip the toasting step.

In a large pot, saute onion and garlic in the evoo, over med heat; 1-2 minutes. Add in the cinnamon stick, honey oregano, brown sugar, soy*, ginger. Stir to combine for 1 minute. Add in the tomatoes, vinegar, pepper flakes and ground spices. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce to a simmer, uncovered simmer for 1 1/2 -2 hours. Stirring often. This should become beautifully thicken, and fragrant!

Remove the cinnamon stick. If you like a chunky BBQ sauce, leave as is. But if you like it smoother, use a blender or food processor to smooth out. (be careful, hot liquids expand, so do so in batches!!)

Allow to cool, this makes about 1 1/2 qt. Will last in refrigerator for several weeks. Use on your favorite grilled meats!