Barbecue Sauce & Pulled Pork Sandwiches

If there ever was a time for smell-o-vision...

That time is now. If you only make barbecue sauce just to have your house filled with the most wonderful sweet, savory, tart aromas, then you have not wasted a moment.

This is so easy, you can't resist!

Barbecue Sauce:
Makes approx. 3 cups

1 1/2 tablespoon butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 teaspoon ground cayenne
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon cumin
1 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup vinegar
juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup dark brown sugar or honey

Melt the butter over medium heat in a large, heavy-bottomed pan. Add the onion and cook until translucent and soft, 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the cayenne, ginger and cumin and cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.

Add remaining ingredients, stirring to combine. Turn heat down to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Season with salt to taste.

At this point, the sauce is ready -- slather over ribs, spread on a burger, or marinate shrimp. Cool and store in the fridge for a few days. 

For Pulled Pork Sammies, nestle 2-2 1/2 pounds pork sirloin into the barbecue sauce, cover, and slide into a 325 degree oven (or alternately, in a slow cooker on low heat for about 4 hours). 

Check the pork after an hour, it should come apart easily with only the slightest pressure. Cook for an additional 10 minutes at a time if necessary. Add a splash of water if the sauce appears too dry. 

Serve on a whole wheat bun and enjoy!