Tamarind Barbecue Sauce

Total Time: 35 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• 2 -3 shallots, diced
• 4 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 inch piece ginger, peeled & chopped
• 1 pinch of smoked spanish paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin powder
• 1/2 red chili powder, to taste
• 1 pinch ground allspice
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar, to taste
• 3 -4 dried red chilies, soaked in a little hot water for 30 minutes
• 1/2 cup tamarind paste (or concentrate)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons sambal oelek or 2 tablespoons chili paste, to taste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon canola oil or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• water or juice

Recipe

• 1 in a sauce pan on medium high heat, add the oil. when hot, saute the shallots, garlic and ginger. let cook until the shallots have become translucent and softened.
• 2 add in the spices (paprika, ground coriander powder, ground cumin powder, red chili powder, ground allspice, salt & pepper). let the spices fry for a minute or so and then start adding in the other ingredients: brown sugar, dried red chilies along with their soaking liquid, tamarind, honey, sambal oelek and soy sauce. mix well.
• 3 add about 1 cup or so of water (you could also add your favorite juice such as mango, orange or a mixed fruit juice). bring to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer; cook until thickened and reduced. let cool slightly, adjust any seasonings and blend into a smooth thick paste.
• 4 store in an airtight container or jar for up to 1 week or so in your refrigerator.