Date-Sweetened Barbecue Sauce (oil-free)

Step 1

Saute garlic and onion. 3 minutes

Step 2

Add in tomato paste, paprika, and cloves. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes.

Step 3

Add the remaining ingredients, except the salt and pepper, and turn up the heat to medium high until they come to a boil.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low, and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can taste as you go along and adjust, if you like, but I recommend NOT adding more molasses or dates until you’ve pureed in step The dates sweeten the sauce as they cook, and they’ll add even more sweetness when you puree.

Step 5

When your 30 minutes are up, remove the pan from the heat and allow for it to cool for about 10 minutes. Transfer it into a high-speed blender and run until smooth.

Step 6

At this point, you sauce may be ready to bottle and refrigerate (It will keep for up to a week.).

Step 7

Add salt and pepper to taste and adjust seasonings as desired. If it does need anything else, turn the heat on medium low, and let any additions cook for a few minutes before you taste again.