This Paleo Whole30 ketchup is naturally sweetened and packed with flavor! Easy to make and so delicious you'll want to eat it off the spoon.
I love ketchup on everything- eggs, mac and cheese, hot dogs, chicken, baked potatoes. Making it homemade is super easy and so flavorful. The original recipe I followed had honey in it so I knew I needed to change it to make it Whole30 approved. I was a little skeptical of adding dates at first, but they work so perfectly. You can't taste them- it just adds a subtle sweetness that balances perfectly with the spices and acidity.
So don't be afraid of the dates! Confession: last time I made it I didn't have enough dates so I used half raisins and it worked great- Yay!
I love the idea of making it homemade because I can completely control what I'm adding. It comes together so quick too! There's almost no prep time and it cooks for 30 minutes. You could make this while cooking other food- it's that easy!
Here's all the ingredients you'll need. You can use apple cider vinegar in place of the coconut vinegar and water in place of the bone broth if you don't have any on hand.
Put all the ingredients in the pan, cook for 20 minutes and turn off the heat. Blend until smooth and cook for another 10 minutes.
Pour the ketchup into jars and store in the fridge.
So simple!!
It's better the next day once it has a chance to chill and let the flavors blend together more. This isn't as smooth as the store bought kind, but I like it that way. If you prefer smoother ketchup, just put it through a fine mesh strainer.
While this is a great sauce to satisfy all your dipping needs and amazing in these paleo sloppy joes!
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Whole30 Ketchup
Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped pitted dates
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste organic if possible
- 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes I use fire roasted for added flavor
- 2 tablespoons coconut vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup bone broth or water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or leave out)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small sauce pan.
- Cook on medium low for 20 minutes and then turn heat off.
- Using an immersion blender, puree mixture until smooth.
- Remove blender and turn back on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Store in mason jars or similar jars in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.
MaineMama says
This is so delicious! I didn't use the whole amount of dates, as I'm starting my third W30 and find that I don't need foods to be as sweet as before. Even my 4 children said it was amazing and better than store bought ketchup! I only had pint jars, so I filled one with ketchup and added horseradish to the remaining cup. Looking forward to shrimp cocktail with it this week! Thanks for the fabulous recipe!
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome! I love that you changed it to meet your needs- that perfect! My husband would love horseradish added- I'll have to try that next time 🙂 Thanks for trying my recipe and for the great feedback!
Beverly VanReenan says
Stumbled onto your site looking for sloppy joe recipes and found that but saw that you used homemade ketchup so of course since I am trying to eliminate sugar and proceed food, had to look at this. I made it last Sunday and then had to fly out of town. Came back this weekend and tried the ketchup. I won't ever want to buy, eat, or serve store bought again. Thank you so much for sharing, and sloppy joes are on the menu this week.
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Beverly! Thank you for the great feedback!! I'm so happy you love the ketchup and I know you'll love the sloppy joes 🙂
Beverly VanReenan says
I loved the sloppy joes. Again, why buy store bought now that I have used your recipes and, with your help, learned how easy it is? I can't wait to try some more out.
Jessica DeMay says
Thank you, Beverly! You are right- it is easier than imagined! 🙂 I'm so glad you like both recipes! Thank you for trying them and for the great feedback!
Kate says
This is the best ketchup ever, store bought just tastes like corn syrup after this! This got me through my whole 30! Thank you! Love all your recipes!
Jessica DeMay says
Thank you so much, Kate!! I'm so glad you like it 🙂 Thanks for the sweet comment!
Jennifer Jodrey says
I made this ketchup this weekend and it is amazing!! I shared a pic of my meals including this ketchup on FB and everyone wanted the recipe - I linked this on my FB!!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Jennifer! I'm so glad you like it and thanks for sharing! 🙂
Steph says
Hi! Do I use the liquid in the fire roasted tomatoes or do I drain it?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Steph- yes, you want the liquid as well. I hope you enjoy the ketchup- I think you will 🙂
Amy Clark says
I just made this Ketchup for Jay's Sloppy Joe recipe. AMAZING! I actually like it so much better than regular ketchup. The flavors are wonderful. THANK YOU!!!
Jessica DeMay says
I'm so glad to hear you like it better than store bought. It does have so much more flavor! You are welcome! Thank YOU for making it!
Isabelle says
OMG, this ketchup is amazing!! I was skeptical, but it tastes almost like the real thing, except... it's better! Never buying the store one again. The only thing I would personally change next time is the amount of pepper, too spicy for my taste. Maybe a 1/4 of teaspoon. Thanks for this recipe!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Isabelle! I'm so glad you tried it and love it! Yes- the pepper is personal preference. Thanks for the great feedback 🙂
Ricka says
Has anyone tried freezing this?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Ricka! I haven't and I haven't had anyone tell me they have tried that. I think that would work fine. It does keep in the fridge for a pretty long time though and have never had to worry about that. I hope you try it and love it!
Lisa says
Sounds amazing! Can I leave out the red pepper flakes? Or substitute with paprika? I'm not a fan of heat. 🙂
Lisa says
I meant cayenne not red pepper flakes. Oops!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Lisa! Of course! You can just leave it out, no need to replace it unless you want to. I hope you try it and love it!
Lisa says
Used paprika - love it! Picky boys 10 and 6, too! Thanks so much!
Jessica DeMay says
Awesome!! I'm so glad you all like it! Thanks for letting me know. You are very welcome 🙂
Jessica says
I don't have an immersion blender. Can I use a regular blender?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Jessica- yes, of course! Just be careful blending it hot because it can cause the top to be blown off. If your blender has an opening on top, leave it open and cover it with a towel. I hope that helps and I hope you enjoy the ketchup! 🙂
Melanie says
If substituting your date paste for the whole dates here, is it a 1:1 substitution?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Melanie! I would say yes, 1:1 substitution if you're using date paste. You can always start with less and adjust to your liking though. I hope you enjoy it!