Smoky No Sugar BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup tomato sauce (unseasoned, no sugar added)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (natural hickory)
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (pimentón)
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (reduce for less heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

1. 1

   Combine the tomato sauce and apple cider vinegar in a medium saucepan and whisk together over medium heat.

2. 2

   Add the liquid smoke and mustard, stirring until the mixture is uniform and smooth.

3. 3

   Whisk in the smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. The smoked paprika is key for that 'charcoal' flavor without the actual grill.

4. 4

   Bring the sauce to a slow boil, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting.

5. 5

   Simmer the sauce for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the bottom from scorching. The sauce should reduce slightly and become very thick and glossy.

6. 6

   For a sweeter profile without the insulin spike, you can add 1 tablespoon of molasses (low GI) or a sugar-free maple substitute, but it's delicious and savory without it.

7. 7

   Let the sauce cool before transferring to a storage container. It's best used as a glaze for meats or a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables.

8. 8

   Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. The flavors will actually intensify after the first 24 hours.