Prickly Pear BBQ Sauce
Prickly Pear BBQ Sauce offers a delightful twist on traditional barbecue flavors by incorporating the sweet, slightly tangy taste of prickly pear cactus fruit. This unique sauce combines the natural sweetness of the fruit with smoky, savory elements, creating a vibrant and versatile condiment.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Blender or immersion blender
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized prickly pears tunas, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 bay leaf
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Water as needed
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped prickly pears and cook for an additional 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine.
- Add the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, bay leaf, liquid smoke, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. If the sauce becomes too thick, add water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Remove the bay leaf and blend the sauce until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Notes
Always handle prickly pears with care. Use gloves to avoid contact with the tiny spines, and ensure they are peeled properly before use.