Challenge: Make any condiment homemade.
Why: There are so many unnecessary ingredients in store bought condiments including sugar, preservatives, MSG, colouring, white vinegar (stripped of nutrients) and lots of table salt. Homemade equivalents can be quick, simple, and wholesome.
How: I have been wanting to make my own ketchup for a while now. This gave me the push I needed to seek out a suitable recipe, and just do it. I found this recipe on the Epicurious website. It was the most basic, simple one I came across.
- 1 (28-oz) can whole tomatoes in purée (I just used a can of crushed tomatoes)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Chop onion and cook it in the oil for about 8 minutes (until soft) over medium heat. Add the remaining ingredients (blend tomatoes first if you use whole ones) and stir over low-medium heat. Allow to simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Pour half at a time into a blender and blend until smooth.
Pour into suitable containers and keep in the fridge. Chill for at least 2 hours before using the first time.
I love the flavour! It has a rich tomato taste with a bit of a kick from the onion and vinegar. It doesn't taste like Heinz, so don't expect that. It is so much better. I read some reviews and noticed some people were cutting down the sugar and apple cider vinegar while added garlic or other spices. Next time I will experiment with those alterations as well. Cheap, tasty, healthy. What else could I ask for?
I do have a warning though... the clean up is intensive! And wear an apron!
Have you made any condiments at home?
I also made homemade ketchup. However, my ketchup lover did not find it to be a hit. I may try your recipe as the one I used did have those other spices and I think that is what turned him off.
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