Gather all your ingredients and set them out. This will make the cooking process smooth and efficient. You'll want everything ready to go once you start.

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow it to warm up for about a minute. You want it hot enough so the flour can mix easily.

Add the flour to the pan. Stir it continuously for about 1-2 minutes. The flour will turn slightly golden, which will deepen the flavor of the sauce. This is your roux, which acts as a thickener.

Toss in the smoked chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic granules, cumin, cinnamon, and oregano. Stir the concoction for another minute. This step is crucial as it brings out the aromas of the spices.

Gradually pour in the vegetable stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep the heat at medium to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Add the concentrated tomato paste and maple syrup to the mix. The tomato paste thickens your sauce while the maple syrup balances the heat. Stir well until fully incorporated.

Pour in the apple cider vinegar and adjust the salt to taste. Make sure to add freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Allow everything to simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

After 10 minutes, give the sauce a taste. Adjust any seasonings as needed. More heat? Add a pinch of chili powder. Need more acidity? A dash more vinegar can do the trick.