ALL-PURPOSE GRILLING SAUCE

All-Purpose Grilling Sauce image

Yield Makes about 3 cups

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 tablespoons sunflower or other neutral-tasting oil
1 medium yellow onion, cut into small dice
3 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled
1 1/2 cups tomato juice
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons unsulfured molasses
1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
1 teaspoon mustard powder
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons packed dark-brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon toasted cumin seeds, finely ground
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, preferably Mexican
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 jalapeño chile, halved lengthwise (remove ribs and seeds for less heat)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (optional)

Steps:

HEAT THE OIL in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion until softened, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes; add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add remaining ingredients except butter; stir several times to blend. Bring to a simmer; partially cover and cook over low heat until thick, about 1 hour.
Remove and discard jalapeño. Puree sauce (with butter, if desired) in a food processor or blender until smooth. Serve warm or at room temperature. The sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 1 week.