Homemade Paleo Tomato Ketchup: the Secret Recipe

If you’re following a paleo diet, you might think that ketchup is off-limits because of its high sugar content. However, you can still enjoy the tangy flavor of ketchup with this paleo-friendly tomato ketchup recipe. Made with simple, whole food ingredients, this ketchup is free from refined sugar, gluten, and dairy.

One of the main ingredients in this paleo tomato ketchup recipe is tomato paste. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants like lycopene. The recipe also calls for apple cider vinegar, which not only adds a tangy flavor but also has potential health benefits like regulating blood sugar levels and aiding in digestion. Other ingredients include garlic powder, onion powder, and cinnamon, which all add depth of flavor to the ketchup.

Paleo Diet Basics

What Is Paleo?

The paleo diet, also known as the caveman diet, is a dietary plan based on the types of foods that were consumed by our ancestors during the Paleolithic era. This diet consists of whole, unprocessed foods such as meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. It excludes foods that were introduced after the agricultural revolution such as grains, legumes, and dairy products.

The paleo diet is based on the idea that our bodies are adapted to the foods that were available to our ancestors and that modern processed foods can lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. By following a paleo diet, you can improve your overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Benefits of Paleo Ingredients

Paleo ingredients are nutrient-dense and provide a wide range of health benefits. For example, tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can help protect against cancer and heart disease. Apple cider vinegar is a fermented food that can improve digestion, boost the immune system, and reduce inflammation.

Garlic and onion are rich in sulfur compounds that can help detoxify the body and reduce the risk of cancer. Cloves have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can help improve digestion. Mustard powder is a good source of selenium, a mineral that can help protect against cancer and heart disease.

By using paleo ingredients in your cooking, you can improve the nutritional value of your meals and enjoy a wide range of health benefits.

Homemade Paleo Tomato Ketchup

If you’re following a Paleo diet, you may have noticed that many store-bought condiments contain added sugars, preservatives, and other non-Paleo ingredients. Luckily, making your own Paleo-friendly ketchup is easy and delicious. In this section, we’ll go over why you should make your own ketchup, the essential ingredients you’ll need, and a step-by-step recipe to make it at home.

Why Make It Yourself?

Making your own ketchup allows you to control the ingredients and avoid added sugars and preservatives. Plus, homemade ketchup tastes fresher and more flavorful than store-bought varieties. By making your own ketchup, you can also experiment with different spices and flavors to create a ketchup that’s perfectly tailored to your tastes.

Essential Ingredients

To make Paleo tomato ketchup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Tomato paste
• Water
• Apple cider vinegar
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dry mustard powder
• Ground cloves
• Salt and pepper

Most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry if you’re following a Paleo diet. If you don’t have any of these ingredients on hand, you can easily find them at your local grocery store.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe to make your own Paleo tomato ketchup:

1. In a saucepan, combine 400g (14.1 oz) tomato paste, 1 cup water, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp dry mustard powder, and 1/4 tsp ground cloves.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches a simmer.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Remove the star anise and blend the mixture in a food processor or blender until smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the ketchup to a glass jar and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

That’s it! Making your own Paleo tomato ketchup is easy, delicious, and allows you to control the ingredients. Enjoy your homemade ketchup on burgers, sweet potato fries, or any other Paleo-friendly dish that could use a little extra flavor.

Nutritional Information

Calorie Content

Paleo tomato ketchup is a healthier alternative to traditional ketchup. It is low in calories and contains no added sugars or preservatives. One tablespoon of homemade paleo ketchup contains approximately 10 calories. This means that you can enjoy the delicious taste of ketchup without worrying about consuming too many calories.

Health Advantages

Paleo tomato ketchup is also a great source of vitamins and minerals. It is made from fresh tomatoes, which are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene. These nutrients help to boost your immune system, improve heart health, and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Additionally, paleo ketchup is made with natural sweeteners like dates or apple cider vinegar, which are healthier alternatives to high fructose corn syrup found in traditional ketchup. High fructose corn syrup has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.

Switching to paleo tomato ketchup can be a small but significant change that can improve your overall health. It is a delicious and nutritious condiment that can enhance the flavor of your meals.

Serving and Storage Tips

Best Ways to Serve

Paleo tomato ketchup is a versatile condiment that can be used in various dishes. You can use it as a dip for your favorite snacks, as a topping for burgers and sandwiches, or as a marinade for meat and vegetables. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Use it as a dip for sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables.
• Add it to your homemade meatloaf or burger patties for extra flavor.
• Spread it on your favorite sandwich or wrap.
• Use it as a base for a homemade barbecue sauce.

Storing Homemade Ketchup

Homemade paleo tomato ketchup can last for up to two weeks in the fridge. To ensure that it stays fresh, store it in a clean, airtight container. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid is ideal.

If you have made a large batch of ketchup and don’t think you’ll be able to use it all within two weeks, you can freeze it for later use. To freeze ketchup, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the ketchup cubes to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to three months.

When you’re ready to use the frozen ketchup, simply thaw the cubes in the fridge overnight or in the microwave for a few seconds.