Classic Barbecue Sauce

Martha Stewart Living, 2009

Makes 5 1/2 cups

    2 tablespoons vegetable oil                                    
    1 small white onion dice                                       
    3 cloves garlic fine chop                                      
    6 ounces tomato paste                                          
    2 teaspoons ground mustard                                     
    28 ounces tomato sauce                                         
    1/4 cup unsulfered molasses                                    
    2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce                             
    2 tablespoons white vinegar                                    
    2 teaspoons salt                                               
    1 1/2 teaspoons pepper                                         

In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium. Add onion and cook until completely soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.

Add tomato paste and mustard; cook, stirring constantly, until paste turns a brick-red color, about 5 minutes. Add 2 cups water, tomato sauce, molasses, Worcestershire, vinegar, salt, and pepper and stir until smooth.

Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to low and partially cover. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2 hours (thin with water if sauce becomes too thick). Season to taste with vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let cool completely before using.