Author Notes: Every great ketchup has a long list of ingredients, and this one is no exception. What this ketchup does NOT have, however, is added sugar. The sweetness comes from all-natural sources like tomato paste, orange juice and dates. What’s more, the combination of these sweeteners mimics the particular sweet-and-sour taste of store-bought ketchup, so it works wonders with the kiddos! —First We Eat
Makes: 2 cups
Ingredients
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1
inch of stem ginger, thinly sliced
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2
star anise
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1 can
fire-roasted tomatoes (or 3 lbs of fresh tomatoes, grilled, peeled and chopped))
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1
tablespoon tomato paste
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1
orange, zest and juice
-
1/3
cup cider vinegar
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3-5
dates, pitted and chopped
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3
cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed
-
1
teaspoon salt
-
1/4
teaspoon cinnamon
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1/8
teaspoon ground cloves
Directions
- Put the ginger and star anise in a cheesecloth bag (or tea ball or disposable loose tea bag) and tie closed with twine.
- Add the spice bag and all of the remaining ingredients to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Lower heat to the lowest setting possible, and simmer for 45 minutes. (Add water ¼ c at a time if the mixture begins to dry out.)
- Remove from the heat. Discard the spice bag. Puree in a blender until totally smooth. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time to get to the consistency you prefer.