Here's a homemade recipe for recreating Lizano sauce, which mimics the original Costa Rican version quite well. This homemade sauce is gluten-free and can easily be adjusted to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
Preparation
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Cooking the vegetables: In a saucepan, boil the water and add the onion, carrot, cauliflower, pepper, cucumber and garlic. Cook over low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
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Blend the vegetables: Transfer the vegetables and cooking water to a blender. Blend until smooth and homogeneous.
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Prepare the sauce: Return the pureed vegetables to the saucepan and add the soy sauce, vinegar, molasses, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Mix well.
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Add the spices: Add the cumin, turmeric, pepper, salt, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir well so the spices mix evenly.
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Simmer: Simmer the sauce over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly.
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Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you want a sweeter sauce, add a little brown sugar. For more acidity, add vinegar.
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Cool and store: Let the sauce cool completely before pouring it into an airtight glass bottle or jar. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for about a month.
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Use: This homemade Lizano sauce is perfect for seasoning dishes like Gallo Pinto , grilled meats, soups, or as a condiment at the table. You can also use it as a marinade for chicken or pork.
