Creating your own condiments, sauces, and spice blends at home can be a fun and rewarding culinary adventure. You can customize flavors to suit your preferences and even experiment with unique combinations. Making sauces is another kind of prep you can do on weekends to reduce work for cooking during weekdays. Here are some DIY recipes for various condiments, sauces, and spice blends:
Condiments:
1.Homemade Ketchup:
Ingredients
- 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup distilled vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/8 tsp allspice
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, simmer for 20-30 minutes until thickened, and blend until smooth.
Homemade Mustard:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup yellow mustard seeds
- 1/2 cup brown mustard seeds
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a jar and let it sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours. Blend until smooth, adding honey or maple syrup for sweetness if desired.
Homemade Mayonnaise:
Ingredients:
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon juice (optional)
In a food processor, combine egg yolks, mustard, and vinegar. Slowly drizzle in the oil while processing until the mixture emulsifies. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice.
Homemade Salsa:
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced (adjust for spiciness)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix well and taste, adjusting the lime, salt, and pepper to your preference.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
6. Homemade Tartar Sauce:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (you can use homemade mayo)
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon capers, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients.
Mix well and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Homemade Pesto:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts (or walnuts), and garlic.
- Pulse until well blended.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Homemade Sriracha Sauce:
Ingredients:
- 10-12 red chili peppers, stems removed
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- Instructions:
- In a blender, combine all the ingredients.
- Blend until smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and simmer over low heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Note: Let it cool before storing in a clean bottle. Refrigerate for up to several months.
These homemade condiments can elevate your meals and allow you to customize flavors to your liking. Get creative, experiment with different ingredients, and adjust spice levels to create condiments that complement your favorite dishes perfectly.
