Healthy ketchup
Ketchup is a staple in many homes. Some parents even consider it a true life-saver when dealing with their picky eaters. The truth is many kids will more easily eat their greens when dipped in ketchup.
On the flip side, store-bought ketchup is full of highly processed white sugar. In fact almost half the bottle is filled with it (yes, read that again and try to visualize that).
The good news is that (almost) everything you can buy in store can be made in your own kitchen. And homemade = free of nasty stuff, which in my kitchen also means “free of refined sugar”.
Homemade ketchup, the easy way!
Some ketchup recipes call for fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic to simmer for a few hours.
But because we’re busy parents looking for goodness without the sacrifice on our oh-so-precious time, this recipe is made with a few healthy yet “smart” ingredients.
Apart from organic passata and tomato puree, this ketchup recipe is made with apple cider vinegar, onion and garlic powder, and some pure honey or maple syrup (for a vegan version). Mix everything in a saucepan, turn on the heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes. That’s it!
This homemade ketchup is:
- Healthy
- Very easy to make
- Made with 4 ingredients and a few spices
- Can be made vegan if you replace the honey with maple syrup
- Gluten-free, dairy-free
- So much better than the commercial thing!
Why are tomatoes healthy?
The nutritional virtues of tomatoes are numerous, and especially the high content of lycopene was given a lot of attention more recently. This red carotene and powerful anti-oxidant is highly protective against certain cancers, heart diseases, cataracts, and macular degeneration. They are also very high in vitamin C, biotin, molybdenum and vitamin K, and of course fiber.
Ingredients
Makes 1 small jar
*Unless stated differently, my recipes are measured with US measuring cups like these ones.
Directions
Put all ingredients in a pan and mix well.
Bring to a boil, reduce and let simmer uncovered for 15 minutes minimum. The longer you let it simmer, the thicker the consistency.
Homemade ketchup will keep 3 weeks in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer.
Ingredients
Directions
Put all ingredients in a pan and mix well.
Bring to a boil, reduce and let simmer uncovered for 15 minutes minimum. The longer you let it simmer, the thicker the consistency.
Homemade ketchup will keep 3 weeks in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer.