🍅 Homemade Low-Sugar Ketchup

Makes: about 1 ½ cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar (or use white vinegar for a sharper taste)

• ½ cup water

• 1 small onion, finely grated (adds natural sweetness)

• 1 small clove garlic, minced

• 1 Tbsp molasses (optional, but adds depth — skip if you want absolutely no added sugar)

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika

• ¼ tsp ground allspice (optional, gives it that “Heinz-like” warmth)

• ¼ tsp mustard powder

• 1–2 Tbsp puréed cooked apple or unsweetened applesauce (natural sweetness boost without sugar)
  
  

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients and whisk until smooth.

2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more vinegar for tang, or more applesauce for a touch of sweetness.

5. Cool completely, then transfer to a clean glass jar or bottle.

6. Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Roasted red pepper purée: adds sweetness and depth without sugar.

• Balsamic vinegar: swap half the vinegar for balsamic for richer flavor.

• Cinnamon or clove: just a pinch can give it that nostalgic ketchup warmth.

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