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Balsamic Ketchup is a rich and savory version of your favorite condiment that you can make in minutes. This homemade ketchup recipe with a burst of balsamic vinegar flavor adds something special to burgers, fries, and more. No added sugar, plus it is vegan, gluten free, and paleo.
Originally published on Apr 26, 2012
My kid is a very good eater, but there are some times that he is very picky. Except when you cover something in some sort of sauce, or give him a little “dip dip.” Sometimes it is teriyaki sauce or barbecue sauce, other times it is Ranch dip or salsa.
But, like most kids, ketchup is the condiment of choice. So when I really want to get him to eat something, even something he previously turned his nose at, I squirt on a bit of ketchup.
Doesn’t want to eat roasted vegetables? Add ketchup.
Refuses cheesy quinoa? You got it! Add ketchup.
How to Make Balsamic Ketchup
All you have to do to make balsamic ketchup is combine the ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth! It takes five minutes and no cooking required.
What is in Balsamic Ketchup?
Tomato paste
Balsamic vinegar
Dry mustard powder
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Salt
Garlic powder
Pepper
How do you store homemade ketchup? How long does it last?
I often transfer the ketchup to an old plastic ketchup or mustard bottle that I’ve washed out. Or you can store it in a mason jar, squeeze bottle, or another airtight container. Then store it in the refrigerator. It will last up to a couple of months.
We LOVE balsamic vinegar, but if you think this might be too strong for you, then you can cut the amount and add in a little water to get the consistency you want. But the flavor does mellow as it sits.
As mentioned, it can be stored for quite a long time in the fridge.
However, if this is too large of a batch for you, you can easily cut it in half by using one of the small 6 ounce cans of tomato paste.
Is balsamic ketchup gluten free? Is it paleo and low carb?
None of the ingredients in this recipe contain gluten. There is also no added sugar.
Always be sure to use brands of herbs and spices that do not use fillers that may contain gluten, such as McCormick.
And check the brand of balsamic vinegar you are using. A few inexpensive brands use caramel coloring, which may be a hidden source of sugar and gluten.
While it is sugar-free and relatively low in carbs compared to commercial ketchup, it would probably not be considered keto-friendly. However, the carbs do come just from the fiber and natural sugars present in tomatoes.
Is balsamic ketchup vegan?
Yes, it is vegan. It does not contain any ingredients of animal origin.
What can you dip in Balsamic Ketchup?
Baked Cauliflower Tots are a crispy, cheesy, healthy alternative to tater tots.
Italian Herb Baked French Fries have the perfect flavor to complement this recipe.
Cornmeal Crusted Asparagus adds a crispy coating to those gorgeous stalks.
Potato Zucchini Tots sneak some greens into a basic tater tot.
Spinach Artichoke Quinoa Bites turn a favorite dip combo into protein-packed, whole grain finger food.
Air Fryer Zucchiniwith salty parmesan are the perfect complement.
What other types of gourmet ketchup can you make?
Buffalo Ketchup kicks up your basic ketchup recipe.
Worcestershire Ketchup has a steakhouse flavor that complements your burgers.
Cranberry Balsamic Ketchup adds a sweet-tart twist to the basic balsamic ketchup.
Add an extra burst of rich umami flavor to everyone’s favorite condiment. The addition of balsamic vinegar makes it tangy and savory. Plus there is no added sugar, so it’s practically a serving of veggies!
I hope you’ll leave a comment and give it a FIVE STAR rating or share a photo on Pinterest!
4 from 3 votes
Balsamic Ketchup
A rich and savory condiment that adds something special to burgers, fries, and more. In minutes you can make this Balsamic Ketchup recipe. Gluten free, grain free, low carb, and vegan.
Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl, and mix well.
Notes
You can also cut this recipe in half and use one of the small 6 oz. cans of tomato paste, if you don't want so much. But store it in a cleaned out ketchup or mustard bottle, and it will keep in the fridge for months.
Recipe yields about 1 cup of balsamic ketchup.
Nutrition Facts
Balsamic Ketchup
Amount Per Serving (1 Tablespoon)
Calories 32
% Daily Value*
Sodium 244mg10%
Potassium 233mg7%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 325IU7%
Vitamin C 4.6mg6%
Calcium 14mg1%
Iron 0.8mg4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
In 2011 they also started manufacturing a variety with balsamic vinegar. This variety was discontinued in 2018. On June 5, 2019, (which is National Ketchup Day), Heinz, and Ed Sheeran, released a limited-edition ketchup officially known as Ed Sheeran × Heinz ketchup, popularly known as "Edchup".
I wouldn't tell you to make your own ketchup if I didn't think it was worth it. This ketchup recipe makes the most delicious ketchup that knocks the socks off anything you can buy at the store. I love that this recipe uses real ingredients and that we can control how sweet our ketchup turns out.
Balsamic glaze is also called a “balsamic reduction.” It is essentially a reduction of balsamic vinegar. Additional sweeteners like honey or sugar can be added. The balsamic vinegar is simmered in a saucepan until it has reduced down and thickened to a maple-syrup consistency.
Distilled white vinegar is essential for ketchup's signature tanginess. Plus, it elongates the shelf life. White sugar cuts the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar while offering a hint of sweetness.
The company may have a surprisingly tasty collection of dipping sauces, but their ketchup has a compelling quality of its own, too. In particular, McDonald's ketchup isn't a commercially-available brand like Heinz or Hunt's, it's their own proprietary blend -- and that makes all the difference.
In 1973, a tomato shortage hit Heinz hard, and the company decided its glass bottle business would take priority over bulk accounts. Needless to say, McDonald's' executives weren't happy with this and abruptly ended the exclusive agreement.
Ketchup will keep 3 weeks in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer. Ketchup can also be water bath canned using the hot pack method. Leave 1/4” headspace and process the 1/2 pint jars for 15 minutes.
Two ingredients of concern in ketchup are salt and sugar. Per tablespoon, ketchup contains 4 grams of sugar and 190 milligrams of sodium. Although 4 grams of sugar doesn't seem like a lot, much of it comes from added sugar, as opposed to the natural sugar found in tomatoes.
For most people, ketchup proves perfectly safe when consumed in moderation. The condiment can easily be included in your well-balanced diet. Still, eating too much ketchup may cause you mild side effects.
We can say that aged balsamic vinegar has an indefinite shelf life. However, it would be convenient to use the product once opened, within two to three years, and the one that has yet to be opened, within five years. After that time, its color may change, and the flavor will no longer be as bright and fresh as before.
It takes 12 years to make the best, aceto balsamico tradizionale (traditional balsamic vinegar), and at least 25 to make the finest, extra Vecchio. Because of traditional balsamic vinegar's painstaking artisanal production process, supplies are limited, and it tends to be rather pricey.
It has a rich and balanced taste that brings out the value of the ingredients and gives a unique touch to both simple foods and elaborate dishes. Here are some ideas for making the most of the Balsamic Vinegar of Modena according to Italian tradition.
Ketchup has a surprisingly long evolution that originated in China. The first version was based on pickled fish and looked more like a soy sauce – with a dark and thin texture. It was called “keh-jup” or “koe-cheup,” meaning “fish sauce.”
The ketchup contains vinegar, which is dilute acetic acid. The acetic acid reacts with the baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas. The gas bubbles expand and rise through the liquid, bubbling out the ketchup. II.
Ketchup and catsup are both Westernized terms for a condiment that has origins in China: fish sauce. Ketchup as we know it today is a modernized version of fish sauce, which was made in port towns on the South China Sea with salted and fermented anchovies.
Many restaurants and areas now use single serve ketchup like packets so the market has had to adjust to less large containers. It has changed they way people buy ketchup and caused some shortages to make the adjustment from jars to single serve which does require more packaging (which is also in short supply).
The fad lasted for six years. Heinz eventually sold over 25 million bottles of their multicoloured ketchup. Due to rising awareness of better nutrition and healthier foods, people shied away from the product. Profits dropped and, in 2006, the line was discontinued.
For more than 20 years, a pair of huge Heinz Tomato Ketchup bottles adorned the scoreboard at Heinz Field, pouring one out for Steelers wins. The motorized sculptures — complete with labels and iconic white caps — were removed in 2022, when Heinz (now Kraft Heinz) ceded the stadium naming rights to Acrisure.
Heinz Organic Tomato Ketchup is packed in a 32-ounce upside down, easy squeeze ketchup bottle with flip cap for clean and easy serving, making it a great on-the-go ketchup for picnics and outdoor dining.
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Introduction: My name is Duncan Muller, I am a enchanting, good, gentle, modern, tasty, nice, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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