Cajun Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Enjoy the flavors of barbecue with a Cajun twist. This recipe is provided by Louisiana Kitchen and Culture Magazine.

Ingredients for Cajun Barbecue Sauce

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large red onions, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 jalapeños, chopped (optional)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small can tomato paste
• ½ cup Steen’s molasses
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 quarts rich broth, your choice
• 3 bay leaves
• ¼ cup cane vinegar
• 1 lemon, quartered and seeded
• 1 orange, quartered and seeded

Method of Preparation

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add red onions, bell pepper, jalapeños (if using), and garlic; sauté 5 minutes to sweat.
Add tomatoes, tomato paste, molasses, paprika, chili powder, and oregano; cook 5 minutes, while stirring constantly. Deglaze with 1 cup broth.

Pour into a slow cooker with remaining broth, bay leaves, cane vinegar, and lemon and orange slices. Place heat on low, cover with lid, and simmer for 7 hours.

Remove lid to allow evaporation, increase heat to high, and simmer about 1 hour or until mixture has reduced and is thick. Remove bay leaves. Purée if desired. Taste; adjust flavor with extra seasoning, molasses, and vinegar. Makes about 2 quarts.

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