# Smokey Pepper BBQ Sauce

> A complex, smoky barbecue sauce with layers of heat from ancho, cascabel, and arbor chilis. Rich, tangy, and perfect for grilling or meal prep.

**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes
**Yield:** About 3 cups

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## Ingredients

- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 Ancho chili
- 1 Cascabel chili
- 2 Arbor chilis
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/2-1 cup Kettle&Fire Broth
- Salt to taste

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## Shopping List

### 🥬 Produce
- [ ] 1 medium onion
- [ ] 2 cloves garlic

### 🌶️ Dried Chilis
- [ ] 1 Ancho chili
- [ ] 1 Cascabel chili
- [ ] 2 Arbor chilis

### 🥫 Pantry
- [ ] 1/4 cup molasses
- [ ] 2 cups ketchup
- [ ] 1/2 cup vinegar
- [ ] 1/2-1 cup Kettle&Fire Broth
- [ ] Salt
- [ ] Oil for sautéing

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## Instructions

1. **Saute aromatics.** Finely chop your onions and garlic, then add to a preheated pan with oil on medium high heat.

2. **Toast chilis.** Cook until translucent, then add your dried and deseeded chilis to toast slightly.

3. **Add wet ingredients.** Once the chilis are slightly fried and fragrant, add your ketchup, molasses, and vinegar and mix everything together.

4. **Reduce.** Let this mixture reduce on the stove for about 5-10 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally to prevent any sticking or burning.

5. **Cool and blend.** Turn off the heat and let cool slightly, then move the mixture over to a blender and blend on high until super smooth.

6. **Adjust consistency.** If your mixture is too thick, slowly add room temperature Kettle&Fire broth to loosen to your preferred pouring texture.

7. **Bottle and enjoy.** Pop into a squeeze bottle and enjoy!

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## Notes

**Storage:** Refrigerates for up to 2 weeks. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

**Heat Level:** Ancho chilis are mild and sweet, Cascabel are medium with nutty flavor, and Arbor chilis bring the heat. Adjust quantities based on your spice preference.

**Uses:** Perfect for grilling, as a dipping sauce, on sandwiches, or as a glaze for proteins.

**Make it Milder:** Reduce or omit the Arbor chilis for a sweeter, less spicy sauce.

**Consistency:** The sauce will thicken as it cools. Add more broth if needed when reheating.