Go Back
Ancho BBQ Sauce
Samia

Ancho BBQ Sauce

Ancho BBQ Sauce is a smoky, slightly sweet barbecue sauce made from ancho chilies, which are dried poblano peppers. It offers a rich, mild heat with deep smoky flavors and hints of sweetness, making it perfect for grilling or dipping. This sauce enhances meats like ribs, chicken, and pork, adding a bold, authentic Southwestern twist to any barbecue dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 2 cups
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: American / Tex Mix
Calories: 40

Ingredients
  

  • 5 dried ancho chili peppers
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 6 oz 1 small can tomato paste
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ cup red wine
  • 2 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup soaking water or stock
  • 1 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
  • 6 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Blender or immersion blender
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Remove stems and seeds from the dried ancho chisel. Place them in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for about 20 minutes until soft. Reserve the soaking water.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add canola oil. Saute the chopped onion for 5–6 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and saute for another 30 seconds.
  3. Drain the softened chisel and add them to a blender along with the sauteed onion and garlic. Add about ½ cup of the soaking water (or stock) and blend until smooth.
  4. Return the Chile puree to the saucepan. Stir in tomato paste, ketchup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, red wine, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, chilli powder, cumin, and cayenne. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium low heat. Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Add more soaking water or stock if the sauce becomes too thick.
  6. For an ultra smooth sauce, blend again using an immersion blender or regular blender. Strain through a mesh sieve for a refined finish, if desired. Let the sauce cool.

Notes

Dry toasting ancho peppers is non negotiable it’s what wakes up their deep, roasty character. Darker sweeteners like molasses and brown sugar enrich the flavour.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 40 kcal | Carbohydrates: 8 g | Protein: 0 g | Fat: 0.2 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 5 g | Sodium: 172 mg