Kansas City BBQ Sauce Recipe

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

6 garlic cloves (smashed)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon paprika

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

¼ teaspoon ground allspice

Pinch of ground cloves

2 cups ketchup

2 cups water

½ cup cider vinegar

¼ cup dark molasses

¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons dried mustard

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 bay leaf

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, allspice and cloves. Cook, stirring until the paste is dark red, about 3 minutes. Add in ketchup, water, vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, salt, soy sauce, Worcestershire, black pepper, and bay leaf.

Bring to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes. Discard the bay leaf before using.