Guava Barbecue Sauce

• Recipe by Steven Raichlen

Ingredients

1. 8 ounces canned guava paste (see Note), cut into 1/2-inch pieces (1 cup)
2. 1/3 cup cider vinegar
3. 1/4 cup dark rum
4. 3 tablespoons tomato paste
5. 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
6. 1 tablespoon soy sauce
7. 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
8. 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
9. 1 scallion, white part only, minced
10. 1 garlic clove, minced
11. 1/4 cup water
12. Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the guava paste with the vinegar, rum, tomato paste, lime juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ginger, scallion, garlic and water and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 1 1/4 cups, about 15 minutes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper.

Make Ahead

The barbecue sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Notes

Guava paste is usually sold in flat metal cans. It is available at many supermarkets as well as at Latin markets.