1948 Original Barbecue Sauce
A rich, tangy barbecue sauce with deep flavors of onion, garlic, and spices, perfect for basting or serving with chicken and other grilled dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery
- 1/3 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 fresh celery leaves, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. molasses
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 2 tsp. hot sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground allspice ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion and garlic in melted butter in a saucepan until tender.
- Stir in remaining ingredients; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Discard bay leaf and lemon slices.
- Process mixture through a food mill, if desired.
- Use sauce for basting or serve with chicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika. If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the hot sauce or incorporate diced jalapeños. You can substitute brown sugar for molasses for a different sweetness profile. If you're out of fresh celery leaves, use parsley as a substitute. This sauce is versatile; try it for basting on ribs or as a dip for fried snacks.
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue sauce is perfect for basting grilled chicken or as a dipping sauce for fried appetizers. It pairs beautifully with Millie'S Potato Salad for a classic American meal. Serve alongside coleslaw for a refreshing crunch. For a fun twist, use it on turkey burgers or as a glaze for roasted vegetables. Always adjust the spiciness to suit your guests' preferences.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can cause uneven heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 1948 Original Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 434 calories, with 6g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (53% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this barbecue sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this barbecue sauce up to a week in advance. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. Just remember to store it in the refrigerator and reheat before using.
Is this barbecue sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this barbecue sauce is vegetarian-friendly as it does not contain meat or animal products. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you might add, such as Worcestershire sauce, are also vegetarian. Browse more vegetarian recipes for complementary dishes to serve with this sauce.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
To adjust the sweetness of the sauce, you can increase or decrease the amount of molasses used. For a less sweet sauce, reduce the molasses by half and add a bit more vinegar to balance the flavors. Alternatively, if you prefer a sweeter sauce, add brown sugar or honey to taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).