Egg Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free Barbecue Sauce

This barbecue sauce is chunky and flavorful and refined sugar free. So good.

Barbecue Sauce

1 tbsp olive oil
1 finely chopped onion
2 tbsp mince garlic
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup maple syrup, honey, or molasses or a mixture
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp mustard
8 oz tomato sauce
1 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onion and sauté 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the remaining ingredients and whisk to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, whisking occasionally, until thickened.
*  Store in a glass jar tightly covered.