There is something about a homemade BBQ sauce that I just love. I think for a few reasons- I know EXACTLY what is in it, I love using fresh (especially heirloom!) tomatoes and I love the thickness of a homemade BBQ sauce. I made this for a vegan dish! I took Lion’s Mane from Mindful Mushrooms, shredded it, cooked it up and tossed it with this BBQ sauce for a plant based “pulled pork” sandwich. It was to die for!
For sandwich: pickled onions, local greens and a brioche bun!
Water as needed
Large pot
Saute pan
Blender
Instructions:
Shred up your Lion’s Mane and cook on low-medium heat in your pan with EVOO for about 5-7 minutes or until tender. Set aside.
In a large pot, combine tomatoes, celery, onions and peppers. Cook until all ingredients are soft, about 25-30 minutes. Remove from heat and puree in blender until smooth. Return back to pot and cook down until mixture has reduce to about one half, another 30 minutes or so.
Next, add garlic, brown sugar, black pepper, dry mustard, paprika, salt and cayenne pepper. Give it a stir so all spices are combined. Then add in your vinegar and cook low and slow for about an hour. Check on your mixture regularly and add water as needed in 1/4 cup increments. Stir often to prevent burning and sticking.
Lastly, if needed, pulse in the blender for another minute or two to smooth out your BBQ sauce and you’re ready to go!
Pour 1/2 cup of sauce over your Lion’s Mane, adding more if needed.
If you’re making a “Pulled Pork” sandwich, toast up your bun, add your lettuce on the bottom followed by your “pulled pork”. Top with pickled onions and voila! A plant-based version of your BBQ favorite!
