Nona'S Barbecue Sauce
Nona's Barbecue Sauce offers a rich, smoky flavor with hints of sweetness and tang. Made from fresh tomatoes, green peppers, and a blend of spices, it’s perfect for grilling, dipping, or as a flavorful condiment for meats and vegetables. Ideal for summer barbecues or homemade gift giving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook green peppers and onion and run through sieve or blender.
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes.
- Simmer until desired thickness.
- Pour into pint jars.
- Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes, or store in refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider roasting the green peppers before blending. If you prefer a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. For a healthier twist, substitute half the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup. If you don’t have liquid smoke, smoked paprika can serve as a substitute for a similar smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Nona's Barbecue Sauce is perfect for grilling meats like ribs or chicken, and it pairs beautifully with classic American recipes like pulled pork sandwiches. Serve it alongside coleslaw or cornbread for a complete meal. This sauce can also be used as a marinade or dipping sauce for veggies and appetizers.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled barbecue sauce in airtight containers or pint jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal them. When reheating, gently warm the sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nona'S Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 896 calories, with 15g protein, 178g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (197% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (177% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1253mg per serving (54% 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 use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato puree?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you'll need to cook them down to remove excess moisture and blend them to achieve the desired puree consistency. It may take longer to prepare, but the fresh flavor can be worth it!
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
To modify the sweetness, simply add more or less brown sugar according to your taste preference. If you want it less sweet, try using a combination of vinegar and mustard to balance the flavors without overpowering the sauce's essence.
Is this barbecue sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, Nona's Barbecue Sauce is entirely vegan as it contains no animal products. You can enjoy it guilt-free, and it pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables or plant-based proteins for a delicious meal.
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).