Homemade Spicy Sambal Barbecue Sauce - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 small onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely diced
1 small green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
3 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (or to taste)
1/4 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons oil
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons sambal oelek chili paste (use up to 4 tablespoons)
3 cups ketchup
3/4 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
salt

Preparation

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
Add in onion, celery, green pepper and garlic; saute until tender (about 5-6 minutes).
Reduce the heat and stir in the brown sugar, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved.
Add in all the remaining ingredients (start with 1 tablespoon sambal adding in more to taste) mix to combine and simmer over low heat for a minumum of 2 hours.
Season with more salt to taste.
Cover and refrigerate 24 hours before using.