Spicy Grilled Peach BBQ Sauce

Once the peaches are grilled, this sauce comes together in minutes and is a perfect companion for grilled meats like chicken or pork chops. You can also roast the peaches and onions to maximize flavor without using a grill. Photo by Melissa Marcarelli

Makes 1-½ cups

INGREDIENTS

3 fresh peaches, pitted and sliced into wedges

1 large yellow onion, sliced in rings

Oil for cooking

1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste

½ cup apple cider vinegar

½ cup dark brown sugar

3 datil (or habanero) peppers, minced or 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

PREPARATION

Brush peach wedges and onion rings with oil and cook over a hot grill. You want the peaches and onions cooked thoroughly and with a lot of color, so don’t be afraid to let them sit on the grill and allow some charring to happen. The color lends a lot of the grilled flavor, just like meat. If you aren’t grilling, turn the oven up to 500° and roast the oil-coated peaches and onions until soft and brown around the edges. Remove from heat and place in a bowl with a lid or cover with plastic wrap and allow to steam.

Add remaining ingredients to a saucepan and cook on medium-low heat just until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add all ingredients to a blender, and slowly work up to full speed, blending until completely smooth, about 2-3 minutes, occasionally scraping down the sides. Add a little water as needed to create the consistency you want and adjust the seasoning and spice level to your tastes.

Store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.