Condiments are a tricky thing. They can add so much flavor and depth to a food, yet they tend to be full of unhealthy ingredients that just clog up our bodies preventing them from functioning at their best. If you eliminate them, you get healthier yet you lose a lot of the flavor they provide. And I am all about flavor and making food taste good. Quality food should be enjoyable. The entire eating experience should be enjoyable so lets make it that way.
But the problem is you have to make it. Like literally make your own condiments. Are you shivering in your boots yet? Don’t fear… this really is simple and way more economical and flavorful than buying them at the store. I have never made my own condiment and wished I hadn’t wasted the time. Time is precious ya’ll! I get that, I live that and yet I am still a fan of making my own condiments.
Easy, cheap and oh so delicious. It puts the store bought ones to shame. Utter and disgusting shame. Dr. Mercola states in one of his articles, “If you use commercially prepared ketchup on your food, you might as well be starting an IV of high fructose corn syrup, because that’s primarily what glugs out of the bottle.” I guess that sums it up nicely.
Final verdict: Store bought ketchup contains large amounts of sugar. In fact 1 tablespoon typically contains four grams of sugar and many people don’t stop at 1 tablespoon. Besides for sugar on the ingredients list you will notice, “natural flavors.” To sum up “natural flavorings” from food manufactures, it is just a host of flavor-boosting chemicals including MSG. Chemicals, not real natural flavors like herbs and spices.
The good news, it is so easy to make. Like your four year old could probably pull it off. You can do this, you won’t go back. And you can flavor it to your liking!
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 4 Tbsp Vinegar
- ⅔ cup water
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves (or allspice)
- ⅛ tsp pepper
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1-2 Tbsp honey or preferred sweetener (optional)
- Whisk all ingredients in a bowl.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
