Healthy Homemade Ketchup

One of my favorite things to do in my home is to make as many foods from scratch as possible! Not only do I get higher quality foods that way, but I also have a lot of fun doing it. Not even to mention the cost savings.

In years past, it's been very difficult to source naturally sweetened condiments like ketchup. Now, we have more healthy options available to us than ever before (like this unsweetened ketchup), but those options do come with a price tag. In my opinion, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that! Healthier options tend to cost more to produce, and are more fickle to prepare for storage. This leads to an increased cost and that's totally fair. But when I'm trying to keep the budget tight? It's better to just make it myself!

A Healthy Homemade Ketchup Recipe

That's where this yummy (and easy) recipe for homemade ketchup comes in! Not only is it prepared with whole food ingredients, but it takes a little less than 25 minutes to prepare. It's one of my favorite condiments to make, because it tastes JUST as good as the name brand stuff, but SO much healthier. It's also a key ingredient in my Healthy Sloppy Joes.

Ingredients

• Tomato paste: You will need 5.5oz of tomato paste. I like to purchase the concentrated tomato paste in a tub, because I find that has the most flavor and doesn't have that "canned" taste. I've used both canned and jarred tomato paste in this recipe with great success, so use whatever you have on hand.
• Maple syrup: This adds a lovely sweetness and mellow flavor.
• Vinegar: Helps to preserve your homemade ketchup, and adds that classic tangy flavor that is signature to ketchup.
• Salt and seasonings: You will need just a few basic seasonings to give your ketchup a hint of flavor. Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and a touch of cloves is all that is needed.

How to Make Healthy Homemade Ketchup

Add your tomato paste to a small saucepan.

Then, begin adding in your ingredients: vinegar, maple syrup, salt...

Then garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of ground cloves.

Stir well to combine, but do so gently to avoid splashing up along the sides.

I also recommend using a deep pot if you have one, since these shallow ones like the one pictured can splatter ketchup over your stove top during the cooking process.

Once your ketchup is smooth, transfer it to the stovetop and bring it to a low boil over medium heat.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often to discourage burning and ensure an even cooking.

Once the ketchup has simmered, remove it from the heat and allow it too cool completely before transferring to storage.

Storage

Store your homemade ketchup in an airtight glass bottle. I like the classic swing top bottles to give that old-fashioned feel, but mason jars work extremely well and make serving the ketchup a little easier.

Keep your ketchup airtight and refrigerated the entire time, and be careful to only use clean utensils to serve your ketchup. If you keep it well refrigerated, covered, and free from contaminants your homemade ketchup will last 1-2 months.

If your ketchup develops an off flavor, or shows any signs of spoilage, be sure to compost or discard the remaining batch.

Substitutions

With Honey: If you would prefer to sweeten your healthy homemade ketchup with honey, you can definitely do so! Note that honey will give you a thicker, more strong tasting ketchup that will also be a bit sweeter. If desired, you can scale back the honey about a tablespoon or two to make up for these differences.