Whether you grew up loving ketchup or are looking to cut back on added sugars, homemade ketchup is a great alternative to store-bought options. Made with natural ingredients and customizable to your taste preferences, homemade ketchup offers a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Plus, the benefits of tomatoes, such as antioxidants like lycopene, make homemade ketchup a nutritious choice. Here are two simple recipes to try:
Two Simple Homemade Ketchup Recipes
1. Simple 2-Minute Ketchup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon raw organic honey (omit or reduce for less sugar)
- 1 tablespoon raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup water
Directions:
- Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Adjust the amount of sweetener to your preference.
- Transfer to a jar or container and store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
This quick and easy recipe allows you to control the sweetness and includes apple cider vinegar for added health benefits.
2. Sugar-Free Homemade Ketchup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic tomato paste
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Optional: sweetener of choice (stevia or monk fruit) to taste
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth.
- Adjust seasonings and sweetener to taste.
- Transfer to a container and refrigerate for up to one month.
This sugar-free recipe offers a balanced blend of flavors and spices, with the option to add natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
The Bottom Line
Homemade ketchup can be a healthier choice compared to store-bought brands high in added sugars. Enjoy the benefits of tomatoes and customize your ketchup recipes to suit your taste preferences while avoiding excess sugar and calories.
Sources
- “Do you know how much sugar is in your ketchup?” Washington Post. Casey Seidenberg. June 2, 2015.
- “Ketchup Nutrition: All You Need to Know.” Healthline. Cecilia Snyder, MS, RD. March 28, 2022.