I am very excited to share with you that this Friday, I am launching my first ever e-book! The title is The Foodie Hypeman’s E-Cookbook – 20 plant-owered condiment recipes to add flavour to any dish! I am so very proud of this creation. The book has been a labor of love for several months, with some kick-a$$ recipes. One such recipe, I am sharing today! Date Sweetened Ketchup.
Why is ketchup so addictive?
Ketchup is one of those condiments that people can’t get enough of. I have one friend in particular (hi Jess!) that literally soaks her french fries and grilled cheese in it. Let’s just say it no longer becomes a hypeman, it becomes the main act! I always wondered what was so addicting about ketchup. I found this answer, which really makes sense: it appeals to all five tastes. Sweet, savoury, salty, sour, bitter and umami. Different ethnicities use it in their cooking and it can be a base for many other recipes (hello pad thai!).
I knew when making the e-book, this recipe had to be included…
Real talk: Heinz and other store-bough brands of ketchup is loaded with sugar. I knew, I had to think of a healthier way to get the sweet tangy flavour. Low and behold, dates!
Sweet about Dates
Dates are one of those ingredients that I always have stocked in my pantry. Another recipe in my cookbook, date syrup, is a great substitute for sugar or maple syrup. I also find that dates sweeten lots of recipes just enough so that you can skip the refined sugar entirely.
Another step I think that is crucial to make this recipe is a success, is to slow cook on the stove. I let all the ingredients simmer on the stove for half an hour, which marries the flavours together. You can add other spices if you like to make it spicy, or herby. It is also so flavourful on it’s own. It is the base for my barbecue sauce recipe too, also found in the e-book.
See more in my new e-book!
Truthfully, this recipe is a keeper. I am excited to share with you! My e-book also has 19 more recipes that are purely plant-based, gluten-free and refined sugar free. You can buy it directly here!
Enjoy!
- 28 oz diced tomatoes, canned
- 11 oz tomato paste
- 1/2 cup pitted dates
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp celery salt
- pinch sea salt
- Mix all ingredients in a small pot, bring to low boil.
- Simmer for 30 minutes on low heat, with a lid slightly ajar on top, leaving room to vent (it will splash!)
- Allow to cool.
- Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth.
- Adjust with water and sea salt as needed.
- Store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to one month.
- Tip: You can also freeze portion sizes, and defrost as necessary!