Makes 4 cups, enough to refill a squeeze bottle
We love ketchup, and we’re willing to bet that you do too. But, do you know what the number two ingredient in most brands of ketchup is? SUGAR! Turns out, the companies that make ketchup don’t remove the seeds, since it is extra work. The seeds are yucky and bitter, which is why they need to use sugar to make it taste sweet.
Even Fini didn’t think that was good idea, so he agreed to help us remove the seeds of a box of tomatoes. We got them on sale from our farmers’ market, and they were super ripe so that we could make our own ketchup without sugar or food color or wheat.
When Cole tasted it for the first time he said, “Mmm, it tastes like tomatoes!” We think that’s just how it should taste . . . a little different but worth the time it takes to make it. It’s so fresh and healthy you really can put it on just about anything!
INGREDIENTS
• 10 ripe red tomatoes, about 8 cups—the sweeter the variety the better (ask your farmer!)
• 1 medium onion (not red), diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp lard
• 2 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• ¼ C apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tbsp coconut aminos
INSTRUCTIONS AND HOW KIDS CAN HELP
1. Score a shallow X on the bottom of each tomato with a paring knife.
2. Place tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds.
3. Remove from boiling water and place into ice bath.
4. Peel off tomato skin, slice in half and remove seeds
5. In large pot over medium heat, sauté onions, garlic, and tomatoes in lard for 8 minutes or until onions start to turn translucent.
6. Add spices, salt, and pepper and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Blend tomato mixture until smooth, then add back to the pot with onions.
8. Add vinegar and aminos and simmer on medium low for 30 minutes.
9. Add to jar or squeeze bottle and store in refrigerator.
