A couple of weeks ago during a brutal heat wave I wanted something other than a sandwich or salad for dinner. I felt like having a hot dog, something I have not had in a long, long time. If I was going to indulge in a hot dog then there had better be a healthy component to it. I decided to make my own condiments: Michael Smith’s Homemade Ketchup and Bobby Flay’s Homemade Pickle Relish.
I had a whole jar of my mom’s sweet pickles that were delicious but a little limp so I figured they would work perfectly in a homemade relish!
I used white wine vinegar instead of cider vinegar but did add mustard and coriander seeds and boiled until reduced by half.
In a bowl I finely diced the pickles, 1/4 of a Vidalia onion and added 2 tbsp of sugar. I added the liquid to the pickle mixture and stirred together. I seasoned everything and then chilled in the fridge.
I omitted the red and yellow peppers from the recipe because I wanted a real old fashion relish. It ended up being a little wet but using a fork or a slotted spoon will avoid that issue.
Next is the ketchup ! This is a very simple and easy recipe, it just takes some time. You add tomatoes (I used crushed), tomato paste, a chopped onion, red wine vinegar, sugar, olive oil, nutmeg (I just used a little), ground allspice, bay leaves and salt and pepper. You bring it to a simmer over medium heat for about 45 minutes. It will reduce by half:
I them removed the bay leaves and because I used crushed tomatoes I did not have to blend until smooth.
I made a chicken hot dog and had it on a President’s Choice Whole Grain Long White Bun so I would not feel super guilty about kind of eating junk food. I slathered the hot dog with all the condiments and ate it with a side of my pickled cauliflower and beets.
The results? The relish is perfect. A fantastic way to honour my mom’s pickles. Loved it! I was most worried about the ketchup. I am a stickler for classic flavours and really wanted this to taste like what I think of as ketchup… and it does! I was shocked and amazed. Seriously, this was the best hot dog I have ever made. Which is a good thing because that recipe for ketchup makes a ton! I had to divide it up and put it in my freezer.
I give both of these recipes five out of five wooden spoons.
I’ve made the homemade ketchup before and have to say I was just as surprised that it tasted like actual real ketchup and not some kind of tomato saucy stuff.
That has got to be the healthiest hot dog around!
Wondering how the ketchup would be if you used reduced salt tomatoes and honey instead of sugar. We are an “eat no white stuff” family and I would love to find ketchup with no salt or white sugar as the kids consume so much of the stuff.
It’s so true Twyla! I really figured it was going to be tomato saucy and disappointing. Absolutely and authentically tasted like ketchup without the bad stuff. Thanks Debra! I am trying to be healthier. Anne, I am pretty sure my tomatoes didn’t have salt in them and you can omit the salt in the recipe. Sure, go ahead and try it with honey! Be careful to watch it though, might have more of a tendency to burn. It’s your kitchen, make it the way you want it! And this makes a ton so you can have it on hand the kids all the time.
Thanks for being the guinea pig on the ketchup! Our two go through it as if it was a food group of it’s own… I’ll have to give it some serious consideration! course that means giving up some tomatoes…
You are so smart; making your own ketchup; I’m impressed. Everybody needs a hot dog once in a while.
Love your ^pictures.
See I love this. You are giving me ideas for things to try this winter when I am stuck inside. Michael Smith’s cookbooks are on my to buy list… too bad that’s not what the company I review for does or I could get them for review.
Nutmeg. A flavour many over look.
Wow at the homemade ketchup. I would have never thought about making it myself and i wouldn’t have thought it would be so easy. I may…just may try it.