PP Spicy Ketchup

Chefs: The Krocks, Krocks in the Kitchen

Makes: 1 c

Prep Time: 25 min (including date soak time)

Cook Time: 5 min,

Total Time: 30 min

INGREDIENTS

• 6 oz can tomato paste

• 2/3 c water + extra, if desired

• 2 T distilled white vinegar

• ¼ to ½ t Tabasco sauce*

• 2 to 4 Medjool dates

• 1 t onion powder

• ½ t garlic powder

• ¼ t ground black pepper

• 1/8 to ¼ t cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• ½ t salt (OPTIONAL)

• Pinch of ground nutmeg

• Pinch of ground cinnamon

• Pinch of ground cloves

*Tabasco does have a small amount of salt added; ½ t contains 17.5 mg of sodium)

DIRECTIONS

1. Pit your dates and soak in hot water for 10 min to soften.

2. While the dates are soaking, add the remaining ingredients to your high-speed blender or food processor. Drain the dates after they finish soaking and add to the blender. Blend all the ingredients on high for approximately one minute (or until the dates are completely incorporated).

3. Heat the mixture in a covered saucepan on medium-low heat for 5 minutes (or just until it starts to simmer), stirring occasionally.

4. Cool and pour into a glass container.

OPTIONAL #1

1. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a saucepan. This will give you “smoother” ketchup.

2. Heat the mixture in a covered saucepan on medium-low heat for 5 minutes (or just until it starts to simmer), stirring occasionally.

OPTIONAL #2

1. Add extra water, 1 T at a time, until desired consistency is acquired. Heat the mixture in a covered saucepan on medium-low heat for 5 minutes (or just until it starts to simmer), stirring occasionally. Cool and pour into a glass container.

TIPS

1. Store in your refrigerator for one week.

2. This will be SPICY! If you do NOT like a lot of spice, adjust or leave out the cayenne pepper and/or Tabasco sauce. We suggest starting with the smaller amounts listed in the recipe above, you can always add more if it is NOT spicy enough!

3. You can also use 1 T of maple syrup to sweeten your ketchup instead of the dates. If you are doing this, you do not need to blend the mixture. You can still strain it if desired or just skip to step 4 and all of the ingredients directly to the saucepan and heat.

4. I think the ketchup tastes best after it cools overnight. This gives the ingredients a chance to meld.

5. Our favorite thing to use this spicy ketchup on is hash browns. (Check out our chili-spiced hash brown recipe here.)

Brian and Jessica Krock started on their whole food, plant-based "adventure" and together they have lost more than 300 pounds combined eating a WFPB diet. What began as a journey to lose weight turned into an entire lifestyle change. They post weekly videos on their YouTube channel "Krocks In The Kitchen" featuring life updates, recipes, travel adventures, and more. They continue to share their new lifestyle with the hopes that they can show others how easy and fun it can be, while also being transparent about the ongoing challenges they continue to face. Brian also hosts a podcast called “I’m Losing It!” featuring interviews and a more in-depth look at their adventures. Join them on their website, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.