You may not know this, but it is incredibly easy and amazingly tasty to handcraft your very own condiments. You can maintain sugar levels, avoid preservatives, and add your flair! This article is excellent for those starting a canning and preserving hobby or for those just looking for tastier condiment options!
Ingredients and Equipment
Basic Ingredients
Ketchup
Ketchup is the one condiment that you must always have in the fridge. It requires the simplest ingredients to make and can be slow-cooked in a crockpot!
- Tomatoes
- Vinegar
- Sugar
- Spices (onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper)
Mayo
Mayo is perfect for salads and sandwiches, and the taste of freshness compared to large-produced jars is unbeatable.
- Eggs
- Oil
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Mustard (for added flavor)
Mustard
If you’re planning summer cookouts by the grill, you will need to make this homemade mustard! It’s tangy and delicious and goes perfectly on hot dogs, burgers, and brats!
- Mustard seeds
- Salt
- Vinegar
- Water
Basic Equipment
You don’t need fancy equipment to make your condiments from scratch. You’ll need mixing bowls, whisks, and storage jars. Of course, you can always make life easier by using slow cookers, blenders, and food processors.
Making Homemade Ketchup
Once you have your ingredients and materials it’s time to get cooking! Prepare the ingredients by measuring out all the spices, washing and removing the stems, and dicing the tomatoes.
If you’re cooking in a large pot, add the tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, and spices and turn it to medium to high heat. Once things get moving, allow the mixture to begin to reduce. Taste to see if any flavor is missing or if the acidity needs to be balanced.
Once you notice a tick mixture, you can throw everything into the blender for a smooth and rich texture, perfect for dipping. Store in air-tight containers or can and preserve for future use.
Making Homemade Mayo
To make homemade mayo, you will need a high-powder blender or a food processor. Place eggs, salt, lemon juice, oil, and mustard in the blender or food processor (an immersion blender can work, too).
Blend or mix until you reach a thick yet smooth consistency. Just be sure not to over-blend, or the sauce may break, looking lumpy and unsightly. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Making Homemade Mustard
Once you have gathered your ingredients, you’ll need to soak the mustard seeds properly. For this, you’ll also need a blender or food processor.
Start by processing the soaked seeds. Place them in the food processor and blend until you achieve your desired consistency, such as smooth or coarse mustard. Next, add the vinegar, water, salt, and any additional spices and blend.
Always start by adding little bits of liquid and build as you go. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge.
Wrapping Up DIY Condiments
Simple and delicious, these condiments take no time to make and can really add freshness to your cooking. Not to mention, you can add just as much of each ingredient, keep the sugars down, and forego the preservatives.
