Lisa's Kansas City Barbecue Sauce
Sunday Starts
- Course: Condiment
Summary:
The original recipe called for 2 tablespoons of Liquid Smoke; Nick Malgieri does not use it and the sauce turns out fine. Add it, if desired.
The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Makes about 2 cups
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 5.5-ounce can tomato juice
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons white or cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 3 medium cloves garlic, chopped
Directions:
Working in batches if necessary, combine the ketchup, molasses, tomato juice, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, cayenne pepper, onion and garlic in a blender; puree until smooth.
Pour into a saucepan and cook over medium-high heat until the mixture starts to bubble; reduce the heat to medium and cook gently, uncovered and stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes, until a slightly thickened sauce forms. (The consistency should be a little thinner than ketchup.)
Transfer to a container to cool, then cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Recipe Source:
Adapted by cookbook author and pastry expert Nick Malgieri, based on a recipe from his friend Lisa Lavagetto, who runs a cooking school in Sonoma, Calif., and is a native of Kansas City.
E-mail the Food Section with recipe questions.

(Renee Comet/Styled by Lisa Cherkasky for The Washington Post)