Making Your Own Condiments: Ketchup, Mayo, and Salad Dressings
Do you ever find yourself reaching for a bottle of ketchup, mayo, or salad dressing only to find out it has gone bad? Or maybe you just prefer to know exactly what ingredients are in your condiments. Making your own homemade condiments not only ensures freshness, but it also allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. Plus, it’s much easier than you may think. In this article, we will guide you through making your own ketchup, mayo, and salad dressings.
Making Ketchup
Ketchup is a staple condiment in many households, but the store-bought varieties often contain a lot of added sugar and preservatives. With just a few simple ingredients, you can easily make your own ketchup at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons of honey
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of onion powder
– ½ teaspoon of sea salt
– ½ teaspoon of mustard powder
– ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
– ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
– ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
– Water (if needed to adjust consistency)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, mustard powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Once all the ingredients are well combined, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the ketchup is too thick for your liking, add a little bit of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Transfer the ketchup to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Making Mayo
Mayonnaise is another condiment that is often loaded with unhealthy ingredients. Making your own mayo allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking.
Ingredients:
– 1 egg yolk (at room temperature)
– ½ teaspoon of dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– 1 cup of light olive oil or avocado oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the egg yolk and dijon mustard together until well combined.
2. Slowly add the oil in a steady stream while continuously beating the mixture. Start with a few drops at a time and gradually increase the amount as the mayo starts to emulsify.
3. Once all the oil has been added and the mixture has thickened, add the lemon juice and mix for an additional 20 seconds.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Store the mayo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Making Salad Dressings
Store-bought salad dressings may contain unhealthy ingredients like added sugars and preservatives. Making your own salad dressings not only allows you to control the ingredients, but it also allows you to experiment with different flavors.
Balsamic Vinaigrette:
Ingredients:
– ½ cup of olive oil
– ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard
– 1 clove of garlic (minced)
– 1 teaspoon of honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Close the jar and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well mixed.
2. Use immediately or refrigerate for later use.
Ranch Dressing:
Ingredients:
– ½ cup of Greek yogurt
– ¼ cup of buttermilk
– ¼ cup of mayonnaise
– 1 clove of garlic (minced)
– 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill
– 1 teaspoon of onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic, parsley, dill, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Use immediately or refrigerate for later use.
With these simple recipes, you can easily make your own condiments at home. Not only will they be fresher and healthier than store-bought options, but they will also taste delicious and be customized to your liking. Say goodbye to expired condiments and hello to homemade goodness!
