📝 About This Recipe
Unlock the nostalgic, tangy-sweet flavor of classic Americana without a single gram of added sugar. This artisanal ketchup marries sun-ripened tomato richness with a sophisticated blend of aromatic spices and the clean sweetness of high-quality stevia. It’s a guilt-free, keto-friendly condiment that delivers a velvet-smooth texture and a bright acidic finish that rivals any premium store-bought brand.
🥗 Ingredients
The Tomato Base
- 12 ounces Tomato Paste (double-concentrated for best depth)
- 1/2 cup Water (filtered)
- 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (raw and unfiltered for brightness)
- 2 tablespoons White Distilled Vinegar (for that classic sharp tang)
Sweetener & Aromatics
- 1/2 teaspoon Stevia Glycerite or Liquid Stevia (adjust to taste; equivalent to 1/4 cup sugar)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (fine grain)
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (for a subtle hint of depth)
The Secret Spice Blend
- 1/8 teaspoon Ground Allspice
- 1/16 teaspoon Ground Cloves (just a tiny pinch)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Celery Salt
- 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper (optional, for a very mild back-heat)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In a medium heavy-bottomed stainless steel saucepan, combine the tomato paste and water. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.
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2
Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. It is vital to keep the heat low to prevent the tomato paste from scorching or 'spitting' as it heats.
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3
Slowly pour in the apple cider vinegar and the white distilled vinegar, whisking constantly to incorporate the acidity into the tomato base.
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4
Add the onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, and smoked paprika. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
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5
Incorporate the 'secret' spices: the allspice, cloves, ground mustard, and celery salt. These provide the characteristic 'ketchup' aroma.
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6
Add the liquid stevia. Start with 1/4 teaspoon, stir, and taste. Stevia brands vary in intensity, so build the sweetness slowly.
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7
Bring the mixture to a very gentle simmer. You should see only small bubbles breaking the surface occasionally.
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8
Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Simmer uncovered for 35-45 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes with a silicone spatula, scraping the bottom and sides.
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9
As the ketchup reduces, it will darken to a deep ruby red and thicken significantly. If it becomes too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time.
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10
Perform a 'plate test': place a small dollop on a cold plate. If no water rings form around the edge of the ketchup, it is perfectly emulsified and finished.
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11
Remove from heat and allow the ketchup to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.
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12
For an ultra-professional, silky finish, pass the cooled ketchup through a fine-mesh sieve or give it a quick pulse in a high-speed blender.
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13
Transfer the ketchup to a glass jar or a squeeze bottle. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours—or ideally overnight—to allow the flavors to marry and the stevia aftertaste to mellow.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use a stainless steel or enamel-coated pot; reactive metals like aluminum can give the vinegar a metallic taste. If you find the stevia has a slight bitter note, add a tiny pinch of extra salt or a teaspoon of lemon juice to balance the palate. For a 'Spicy Ketchup' variation, increase the cayenne pepper to 1/4 teaspoon and add a teaspoon of smoked chipotle powder. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks; because this lacks high sugar content, it doesn't preserve quite as long as commercial versions. If the ketchup is too thick after chilling, whisk in a teaspoon of water or vinegar to reach your desired consistency.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside air-fried sweet potato fries for a completely guilt-free snack. Use as a base for a sugar-free BBQ sauce by adding liquid smoke and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. Perfect as a topping for grass-fed beef burgers wrapped in crisp butter lettuce. Pairs beautifully with a sugar-free meatloaf to provide that essential tangy glaze. Mix with horseradish for a quick, sugar-free cocktail sauce for chilled shrimp.