South Carolina Mustard Barbecue Sauce (Tomato-Free)

WOAH! Stop the presses. Where have you been all my life?

No seriously.

I always thought barbecue sauces were tomato-based. This barbecue sauce has no tomato in sight. Instead, the base is from mustard and vinegar. It is amazing what a little blackstrap molasses can do to herald a sauce into the barbecue family.

The ultimate barbecue sauce is probably a very touchy/personal topic for many, especially in the US, with each region having their own spin on their special sauce for grilling. While in Texas, I didn’t go for barbecue, but I seem to be homesick for my time in Houston and bringing the barbecue back to Toronto.

However, this is not Texas-style barbecue sauce, it hails from South Carolina. Mustard-loving Germans added a barbecue twist to their local sauce and it is wonderful. Not too sweet, a heavy hand with the vinegar and a perfect punch from the savoury spices. A perfect mix for me and my love of all things mustard.

I haven’t quite decided what to do with this sauce yet. I was originally going to toss it with some tofu and veggies and then bake it, but now all I want to do is keep it. Why use that all in one go?

What is your favourite barbecue sauce and what do you like to do with it?

PS. I am sharing this with Credit Crunch Munch and this week’s Virtual Vegan Potluck.

South Carolina Mustard Barbecue Sauce
Adapted from Fat Free Vegan

1/2 cup prepared mustard (I used Dijon mustard)
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1 tbsp blackstrap molasses
1/4 tsp turmeric
3 tbsp agave nectar or other sweetener (or more, to taste)
3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1/2 tsp granulated onion
1/2 tsp celery seed
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp Aleppo chili flakes, or to taste

1. Place all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until slightly thickened. Store in the fridge.

Makes 1 cup.