Sweet And Sour Barbecue Sauce - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped (optional)
1 medium onion (very finely chopped)
1/4 cup oil
1 (8 ounce) can tomato paste
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (24 ounce) bottle ketchup
1 quart cold water
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder (or use 3 tablespoons fresh garlic sauteed with onion)
1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
2 tablespoons grated horseradish
salt (optional)

Preparation

In a Dutch oven heat oil over medium heat.
Add in onion (fresh garlic and green pepper if using) saute until the onion is tender.
Reduce the heat to low and add in the tomato paste; cook stirring for 2 minutes.
Add in tomato sauce with all remaining ingredients; bring to a simmer cook stirring for about 5 minutes.
Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for about 2-1/2 hours (uncover the last hour of cooking) stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and reduces.
Season with salt if desired.
Cool to room temperature and chill overnight before using.