Name: Basic Barbecue Sauce
Total time: 3 h
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 medium onion , minced; 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce; 1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes , with juice; 3/4 cup distilled white vinegar; 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar; 2 tablespoons molasses; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon table salt; 2 teaspoons ground black pepper; 1/4 cup orange juice from 1 medium orange

Why This Recipe Works

For the best grilled chicken breast recipe, we first brined the chicken in a combination of sugar and salt, which improved the flavor and texture of the meat. To get chicken with a good sear and moist interior for our grilled chicken breast recipe, we decided to try a version of an old restaurant trick, covering the chicken with an aluminum roasting pan, which creates an oven effect but also allows air to circulate around the cooking food. After giving the breasts a few minutes over the coals to acquire a good sear, we moved them to the cooler part of the fire, covered them with the pan, and cooked until the meat cooked through.

Instructions

Heat oil in large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until hot and shimmering (but not smoking). Add onion; sauté until golden brown, 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add remaining ingredients. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to lowest possible setting and simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

Puree sauce, in batches if necessary, in blender or workbowl of food processor. Transfer to bowl or cover in airtight container. (Can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.)