Condiments – Ketchup & Mayonnaise

Making your own condiments at home is easier than you think and a total game-changer, trust me! This homemade ketchup and mayo are bursting with flavor and completely beat anything you can buy at the store. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up these essentials from scratch with just a few fresh ingredients and none of the weird stuff found in ketchup and mayo on the grocery shelves!

Homemade Ketchup

Let’s start with the ketchup! Begin by combining tomato paste and water in a medium saucepan. Stir until the paste is fully diluted; this will form the base of your ketchup. Next, add Worcestershire sauce, sugar, vinegar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cinnamon. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended. The combination of these spices is what gives ketchup its unique, tangy-sweet flavor.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and helps thicken the ketchup. Once it has thickened to your liking, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the ketchup cool. Transfer it to a jar or bottle and pop it in the fridge.

Tips and Tricks: For a smokier flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder. If you prefer a smoother ketchup, you can blend it once it has cooled down in a food processor or blender. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste. If you like it more acidic, add more vinegar!

Variations: Spicy Ketchup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. Herb-Infused Ketchup: Stir in some finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a unique twist.

Homemade Mayonnaise

Now, let’s move on to mayonnaise. Making mayo from scratch is surprisingly easy and the result is so much better than store-bought. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature; this helps the mayonnaise emulsify properly. In a blender or food processor, combine the eggs, mustard, vinegar, oil, salt, and lemon juice. Blend on medium speed until the mixture is smooth, thick, and creamy. That’s it!

The key to a perfect mayo is to add the oil very slowly. This helps the mixture emulsify and turn into that creamy goodness we all love. However, since we’re blending all the ingredients at once here, just ensure you blend it long enough for everything to come together nicely. I like to use an immersion blender and it never fails to make the most creamy homemade mayo!

Tips and Tricks: For a lighter mayo, use half vegetable oil and half olive oil. If you want a tangier mayo, add a bit more lemon juice or vinegar. To make a richer mayo, you can use only the egg yolks instead of whole eggs.

Variations: Garlic Mayo: Add a clove of minced garlic to the blender for a garlicky kick. Herb Mayo: Blend in some fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for an herbaceous twist. Spicy Mayo: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or hot sauce for a spicy version.

Storage and Shelf Life

Homemade condiments are best stored in the refrigerator. For ketchup, once it’s cooled, transfer it to a clean jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. It will keep for up to three weeks in the fridge. As for mayonnaise, store it in a clean jar as well and use it within two weeks. Always make sure to use a clean spoon to scoop out your condiments to avoid contamination and extend their shelf life.

Making your own condiments at home is not only fun but also allows you to control the ingredients and flavors. Plus, they taste so much better than store-bought versions! Give these recipes a try and enjoy the delicious, fresh taste of homemade ketchup and mayo.

Craving More From Scratch? Try These Recipes Out!

• Mozzarella Cheese
• Homemade Granola
• Butter
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Homemade Hummus

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