Cook: Homemade Ketchup!

One of my favorite Pinterest finds is Skinny Taste's simple and delicious recipe for homemade ketchup!  For a few years now, I've been trying my best to avoid high fructose corn syrup because it's so bad for us! HFCS is cheap and plentiful and is generally laden with GMOs (genetically modified organisms). If I'm going to have sugar, I want it to be as natural and healthy as possible. No HFCS, no Splenda, no crap like that. I want organic raw sugar! I'm convinced it's one of the best sweetener choices out there. There are other options like stevia but I generally stick with raw sugar. 

Ready to make some delicious, healthy ketchup for your family? Well let's get to it. 

I love that most of the ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and spice cabinet! Today I actually doubled the recipe so I've listed the ingredients for a single batch and a double batch. The original recipe makes about 12oz and the doubled recipe makes about 24oz. I've been saving jars so that's what I'll be storing mine in! Or you could reuse a regular ketchup bottle and if you have a picky family, they will never even know that it's "healthy!" My husband LOVES this ketchup and so do I!

Ingredients:

• 6 oz can tomato paste
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp sugar
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup honey (or agave)

Ingredients for double the recipe:

• 12 oz can tomato paste (or 2 6oz cans)
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tsp sugar (3 if you want it a little sweeter)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup honey (or agave)

Directions: 

1. Mix all of the ingredients into a medium saucepan and whisk them together.

2. Bring the ketchup to a boil but then simmer it for about 15-20 minutes.

3. Be sure to whisk it often so it doesn't burn to the bottom of the pan! 

4. Let it cool then store it in an air-tight container in the fridge. 

And that's it! So easy! 

Helpful hints: 

I actually ended up adding another 1/4 cup of water because a lot of it seemed to boil off while it was cooking. But that all depends on how thick you want your ketchup! 

I also waited till it was just about cooled off before adding in the honey. I read that it is better to not cook the honey because it will kill the good proteins in it. I also have agave but just chose to use honey this time. Both should work wonderfully! 

Taste test it along the way so you can customize your ketchup. If you like more vinegar, add more vinegar! If you prefer sweeter ketchup, add a dash more sugar or honey!

Try to make it as healthy as possible by getting Kosher salt and organic sugar or raw sugar. I personally like to buy Sugar In The Raw as well as Agave In The Raw. Healthy and delicious! I believe you can get both at either Target or your regular grocery store. I shop Food Lion usually because that's what we have here in the Burg. 

There you have it...delicious, quick, easy, healthy homemade ketchup! 

This is a regular spaghetti sauce jar with measurements on the side till 16oz. I estimate it can hold a total of up to 22oz. I filled this jar and had a several big spoonfuls leftover. 

Tonight the first sampling was on top of an Amy's veggie burger and homemade honey wheat bread as the bun! Paired with a salad it was a delicious and veggie-full dinner!

Have you made your own condiments before? What is your favorite one to make? 

Till next time,

Catherine

I've linked up to Make Your Own Mondays with Nourishing Treasures!

I've linked up to Hearthfelt Hopes #3 with The Aliso Kitchen!

 

I've linked up to Link Up #15 with Plucky's Second Thought! 

I've linked up to Throwback Thursday #6 with Glitter, Glue & Paint, Girl in the Garage, Inspiration for Moms, Sweet Pea, An Alli Event and Restoration Redoux! 

I've linked up to Fluster's Creative Muster #42 with Fluster Buster and Just Dip It In Chocolate!