PANTRY BASIC - KETCHUP
I don’t use ketchup very often, but when you’re eating something that really needs it, it can be difficult to ignore ready-made packets or bottles of ketchup, which are pretty high in added sugar. This Paleo ketchup recipe is a bit on the tart side since it doesn’t have any sugar in it, but with a little bit of honey, it does a great job balancing that sweet-tart thing that makes ketchup so delicious. MAKES ABOUT 1½ CUPS
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
COOK TIME: None
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
⅓ cup water
2 tablespoons (30 ml) white vinegar
1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey or maple syrup
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon dried mustard
⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Pinch salt
- In a mason jar or other container with a tightly fitting lid, mix to combine the tomato paste, water, white vinegar, honey, allspice, cinnamon, mustard, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours before serving.
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Homemade Paleo ketchup with real tomato flavor, gentle sweetness from honey or maple syrup, and a warm spice note from allspice, cinnamon, and cayenne. No refined sugar, no corn syrup, no thickeners — just tomato paste, vinegar, and spices shaken up in a jar. It tastes brighter and cleaner than anything from a bottle, and it keeps for weeks.
Pro Tips
- Refrigerate it at least 8 hours before serving — the spices need time to bloom and the sharp vinegar edge needs time to mellow.
- Shake the jar vigorously before every use; homemade ketchup separates naturally since there are no emulsifiers.
- Tomato paste gives it concentrated body without any cooking. If you prefer a thinner ketchup, add a splash more water and adjust.
- The cayenne is subtle — it adds warmth rather than heat. Add more only if you want a proper spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade ketchup keep?
About 3 weeks in a sealed jar in the fridge. There are no preservatives, so watch for any off smells past that point.
Is this ketchup Whole30?
With dates in place of honey or maple syrup it can be adapted for Whole30. As written it's Paleo but contains a natural sweetener.
Why does mine taste vinegary?
It hasn't rested long enough. The 8-hour (or overnight) rest in the fridge rounds out the vinegar and lets the spices integrate fully.
What can I use this ketchup on?
Burgers in lettuce wraps, sweet potato fries, breakfast sausages, and meatloaf. It's also excellent as a quick glaze for grilled chicken.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
Method
- In a mason jar or other container with a tightly fitting lid, mix to combine the tomato paste, water, white vinegar, honey, allspice, cinnamon, mustard, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours before serving.
