Al fresco eating season is just around the corner, when the warm weather lures us outdoors for cookouts and picnics. Yes, we get a little excited when it’s time to fire up the grill for burgers and hot dogs! While grillmasters focus their obsession on making the perfect burger, this season we’re all about the condiments. Ditch the extra sugar, salt and preservatives and learn how to make the must-haves – mustard, mayonnaise and ketchup – from scratch.
Experimenting with classic condiments may sound old-fashioned, but the process of making your own is so easy that it really worth taking a break from all those sugar-loaded products from the supermarket. If you’re like us, you’ve tried many versions of the store-bought products, and know that some are good but some can taste really bad and even give you stomachache.
Yes, it’s really hard to beat the classic taste of the brand that we grew up with. And yes, the taste of any homemade condiment is definitely different than the one you’re used to. The good news is that you can tweak the recipe to get the taste you like, and you’ll know exactly what goes into your condiments jars. Plus, you might really enjoy spending a bit of time experimenting in the kitchen.
The key ingredients for all the three classics – mayo, ketchup and mustard – are the apple cider vinegar and pure maple syrup. The ACV is a must for preserving your products, while also balancing the ingredients taste with its acidity, without burdening your digestive system. You already know that most of the store-bought condiments contain a lot of sugar (either refined white sugar, or more consumer-friendly alternatives such as fructose).
Sugar enhances the taste and makes you crave more of that delicious ketchup or mustard. We also use sugar in our homemade experiments but in the form of pure maple syrup. The quantities are small, just enough to balance all the ingredients taste.
Homemade Ketchup
Homemade Ketchup
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp Worchestershire sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp arrowroot powder
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients into a blender and process to obtain a sauce.
- Transfer into a sauce pan and bring to boil over medium heat.
- Turn the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Let cool and store in an airtight glass bottle in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Homemade Mayonnaise
Homemade Mayonnaise
Ingredients
- 4 oz silken tofu
- 3 tbsp unrefined sunflower oil
- 2 tsp mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients into the blender and process until smooth and creamy.
Homemade Mustard
Homemade Mustard
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mustard seeds soaked into water overnight, drained
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp pure maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients into a blender and process to obtain a creamy mixture.
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