Make Podnuh's Bbq Sauce: A Recipe Guide

Podnuh's BBQ sauce is a closely guarded secret, with only a few clues as to its ingredients. It is known for its tangy flavour, with some speculating that it uses pickle juice as a base. Others have suggested that the sauce includes mustard, molasses, or brown sugar. The recipe for this mouthwatering sauce is not available to the public, but it is a staple at Podnuh's BBQ joints in Louisiana, where it is served alongside smoked meats and delicious sides.

Use pickle juice as the base

While there is no specific recipe available for Podnuh's BBQ sauce, there are some insights into its ingredients. One source mentions that the sauce is tangy and uses pickle juice as its base. Another source mentions that Podnuh's BBQ sauce is homemade.

For this recipe, it is recommended to use the juice from a jar of Vlassic Zesty pickles to give your sauce a special kick. You can also add red pepper flakes for an extra punch of heat, but this is completely optional.

To make the sauce, simply mix all the ingredients together and adjust the quantities to your taste preferences. You can store the sauce in a recycled pickle jar to keep it fresh.

Feel free to experiment with different types of pickle juices and additional ingredients to create your own unique variation of this delicious sauce. You can also try using the sauce as a binder for a rub, a spritz, or even as an injection for meats like ribs.

This versatile sauce will add a burst of flavour to your BBQ dishes and is definitely worth trying, especially if you're looking for a change from the traditional heavy, rich, or sweet BBQ sauces.

Include Showboat Brand Pork & Beans

To make Podnuh's BBQ sauce, you'll need to include Showboat Brand Pork & Beans. This brand of beans is an essential component of the sauce and will add a unique flavour to the dish. Here are some detailed instructions on how to incorporate Showboat Brand Pork & Beans into the BBQ sauce:

Firstly, procure 4 large #10 cans of Showboat Brand Pork & Beans. This specific brand is known for its high-quality beans and rich tomato sauce. The beans are prepared with small white beans or navy beans, water, tomato paste or puree, sugar, salt, pork, modified corn starch, and a blend of spices including paprika and garlic powder. This combination of ingredients creates a hearty and flavourful base for the BBQ sauce.

Once you have the Showboat Brand Pork & Beans, you'll need to combine them with other ingredients. Finely chop rendered smoked brisket fat, onions, and bell peppers. You'll need enough to fill 2 large #10 cans. This mixture will add a smoky and savoury element to the sauce. Additionally, you'll want to include 4 cups of tangy BBQ sauce that has a pickle juice base. This type of sauce will complement the sweetness of the tomato sauce in the beans.

Combine all the ingredients in a large pan or pot. Stir the mixture well to ensure that all the flavours meld together. Place the pan on a smoker or stovetop and cook over low heat. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes to an hour. This cooking process will thicken the sauce and blend all the flavours harmoniously.

Finally, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more BBQ sauce for tanginess, a dash of Worcestershire sauce or mustard for depth, or even a touch of brown sugar or molasses for extra sweetness. Remember, the sauce should be customised to your taste preferences. Once you're happy with the flavour, remove it from the heat and let it cool.

Now you've created an authentic Podnuh's BBQ sauce with the essential Showboat Brand Pork & Beans as a key ingredient. This sauce is perfect for drizzling over smoked meats like brisket, ribs, or pulled pork. Enjoy the delicious combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavours in every mouthful!

Add smoked brisket fat

Adding smoked brisket fat to your BBQ sauce is a great way to enhance the flavour and create a rich, smoky taste. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do it:

Firstly, source some high-quality smoked brisket fat. You can purchase this from your local butcher or meat supplier, ensuring you get a nice, fatty cut with plenty of marbling. Alternatively, if you're smoking a brisket yourself, you can trim the fat and render it down separately, creating a delicious, smoky fat to add to your sauce. This is a great way to use every part of the meat and reduce waste.

Once you have your fat, you'll want to render it down if you haven't already. Cut the fat into small cubes or strips, then place it in a pan over low heat. Allow the fat to slowly melt, stirring occasionally, until you have a good amount of liquid fat. Be careful not to burn it, as this will affect the taste.

Now it's time to add the fat to your BBQ sauce. Podnuh's BBQ sauce is known for its tangy flavour, achieved by using pickle juice in the base. To recreate this unique taste, start with a basic BBQ sauce recipe and add some pickle juice to taste. You can also add other ingredients like mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and molasses to enhance the flavour.

When your sauce is ready, slowly pour in the rendered brisket fat, stirring constantly. The amount you add is up to your personal preference, but start with a small amount and taste as you go, as too much fat may make the sauce greasy. Keep in mind that the fat will solidify again when the sauce cools, so don't be afraid to add a little extra.

Finally, use your delicious, smoky sauce to baste meats or as a dipping sauce. It's perfect for adding a rich, BBQ flavour to any dish. Enjoy!

Chop onions and bell peppers finely

Chopping the onions and bell peppers finely is an important step in making Podnuh's BBQ sauce. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Start by washing the onions and bell peppers thoroughly under running water. You can use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the outer surface of the vegetables to remove any dirt or residue. Once they are clean, dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Next, use a sharp chef's knife to chop the onions and bell peppers. You want to aim for a fine, uniform dice. Begin by slicing the onion in half from root to stem. Then, place each half cut-side down on your cutting board and make several vertical slices, being careful to keep your fingers away from the blade. Now, slice horizontally across the onion, creating a grid pattern. Finally, chop the onion perpendicular to your slices to create a fine dice.

For the bell peppers, start by removing the stem and seeds. Cut the pepper in half lengthwise, then place each half cut-side down and slice into thin strips. Finally, turn the strips sideways and chop them into small pieces.

As you chop, remember to use a cutting board to protect your countertop and always practise knife safety. It's important to keep your knife sharp, as a dull blade can make chopping more difficult and unsafe.

By following these steps, you'll end up with finely chopped onions and bell peppers, which will add great flavour and texture to your Podnuh's BBQ sauce.

Cook beans in a smoker

Podnuh's BBQ sauce is a tangy, Louisiana-style sauce that uses pickle juice in its base. It is used in Podnuh's famous pit-smoked beans.

First, gather your ingredients. You will need:

• Canned beans (such as pork and beans)
• Bacon
• Onion
• Bell peppers
• BBQ sauce
• Brown sugar
• Spices (such as mustard, pepper, or chilli powder)
• A smoker (either electric or wood-based)
• A cast-iron skillet or disposable aluminium pan

Once you have your ingredients, follow these steps:

• Preheat your smoker: If using a wood-based smoker, fill it with wood chips and preheat to 225-250°F. If using an electric smoker, ensure it is heated to the correct temperature.
• Cook the bacon: Chop the bacon into small pieces and cook in a cast-iron skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
• Sauté the vegetables: Add diced onion and bell peppers to the bacon grease and cook until tender. You can also add other vegetables like jalapenos or pineapple for extra flavour.
• Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the canned beans, sautéed vegetables, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and spices. You can also add in the reserved bacon grease for extra flavour and fat.
• Assemble in the smoker: Pour the bean mixture into a disposable aluminium pan or cast-iron skillet. Top with the cooked bacon pieces.
• Smoke the beans: Place the pan of beans in the smoker and smoke for 2-3 hours at 225-250°F. The beans are ready when the bacon is golden brown and the beans have thickened.
• Serve: Remove the beans from the smoker and let them cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

• Use thick-cut bacon for more substantial pieces in the beans.
• For a crispier bacon texture, broil the dish on high for 1-2 minutes after smoking.
• If using wood chips, they should burn out after about 2 hours.
• For extra smoke flavour, add a tablespoon of liquid smoke to the water pan if your smoker has one.
• You can also add meat, such as chopped brisket or hot dogs, to make the beans a heartier dish.

Enjoy your homemade, smoker-cooked beans!

Frequently asked questions