Homemade Paleo No Sugar Ketchup

Homemade no sugar tomato ketchup on a platter of fries.

5 from 1 vote

This No Sugar Ketchup is a healthier, paleo-friendly take on the classic dip—naturally sweetened with dates for just the right balance of tangy and sweet. It’s easy to make, packed with real ingredients, and perfect for dipping, spreading, or drizzling on anything that needs a little extra flavor.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Dip

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

Servings: tablespoons

Calories: 9kcal

Author: Amanda McGillicuddy

Equipment

Blender
Large saucepan
Whisk
Rubber Spatula

Ingredients

⅔ cup Hot water
½ cup Medjool dates packed, pits removed (about 6 large dates)
8 oz Canned tomato sauce
6 oz Canned tomato paste
⅓ cup Apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Sea salt
¼ teaspoon Black pepper
¼ teaspoon Garlic powder
¼ teaspoon Paprika
¼ teaspoon Onion powder

Instructions

Measure out ⅔ cup of hot water in a large measuring cup or bowl. Remove the pits from the medjool dates and place in the hot water. Press down to submerged, and soak for about 10 minutes.
While dates are soaking, add the remaining ingredients to a high-powered blender. Once dates have soaked and softened, place the dates AND the water into the blender with the other ingredients. Blend for about 1 minute, or until there are no chunks of dates and the mixture is smooth.
Transfer the blended mixture into a large saucepan. Heat over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring throughout.
Once the mixture has thickened and darkened to a rich red color, remove from the heat and allow it to cool. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Purchasing medjool dates with the pits in them yields the freshest, most tender dates. Obviously, you will want to discard the pits before soaking.

When soaking the dates, DO NOT discard the water. The water goes into the blender to thin the ketchup. Using the soaking water retains as much sweetness from the dates as possible.

While cooking, be sure to stir frequently to ensure the contents on the bottom of the saucepan doesn't burn.

Storage: Store this no sugar ketchup in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

For longer storage, you can freeze this ketchup. Simple place fully cooled ketchup in an airtight, freezer-safe container and place in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you're ready to use it.

Nutrition