Ingredients
- 4 cups coarsely chopped rhubarb stalks
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup water, plus extra if needed
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A dash of cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil, lightly oil or spray it.
- Scatter the chopped rhubarb and whole garlic cloves evenly on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 15 to 20 minutes until rhubarb is very soft and edges start to caramelize.
- Transfer the roasted rhubarb and garlic to a blender or food processor.
- Add 1 cup water and blend until very smooth, adding water 1 tablespoon at a time if needed to help pureeing.
- Pour the rhubarb puree into a medium saucepan.
- Stir in balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper; add more water gradually if a thinner consistency is desired.
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before using.
Notes
Select firm, crisp rhubarb stalks without blemishes for best flavor and color., Roast rhubarb until very soft for smooth blending and caramelized notes., Add water gradually during blending for a smooth puree., Adjust sweetness or tang by tasting and adding more brown sugar or vinegar as preferred., Start with a small amount of cayenne pepper and increase if more heat is desired., Use a wide, shallow pan for roasting to promote even browning without steaming., Variations include adding smoked paprika or chipotle for smokiness, maple syrup or honey for sweetness, apple cider vinegar for more tartness, adding roasted fruits for fruity twists, or Dijon mustard for extra tang., Store the sauce refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one month., Freeze in suitable containers or ice cube trays for up to three months; thaw in fridge before use., Water bath canning is possible: jars must be fully covered with at least 2 inches of water and boiled for 15 minutes; follow altitude-specific canning guides., Reheat gently on low heat to preserve flavor and texture., This sauce is vegan if Worcestershire sauce used is anchovy-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: Approximately 40 calories per 2 tablespoon serving
- Fat: Less than 1 gram per serving
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 11 grams per serving
- Protein: Less than 1 gram per serving