Smoked Chipotle BBQ Sauce

Chipotle is a smoke-dried jalapeño — one of the great chilli preparations. Combined with a proper BBQ sauce base, it produces something deeply flavourful and versatile.

Ingredients (makes ~600ml)

• 3 chipotle chillies in adobo sauce (tinned), roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp adobo sauce from the tin
• 400ml passata or crushed tomatoes
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 3 tbsp brown sugar or molasses
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper

Method

1. Sweat a diced onion in oil until soft.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add all remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
4. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust sweet/acid/salt balance.

Notes

• For more heat, add an extra chipotle or a teaspoon of cayenne.
• For deeper smoke, add a drop of liquid smoke.
• Excellent on ribs, brisket, pulled pork, or as a dipping sauce.