Mushroom ketchup may sound weird, but in reality, it is one of the original versions of this very popular sauce. While recipes vary and no one truly knows how ketchup started back in the day, trying mushroom ketchup will change your life.
Before you give up on the idea, take into account that making your ketchup saves you from eating too much sugar and empty calories. Plus, mushrooms are extremely healthy, and they add a delicious texture to your sauce.
Also, did you know that this sauce dates back to centuries ago? Most believe that ketchup started as a pickled condiment in China that evolved into more ingredients.
Here are the 8 tips for making mushroom ketchup at home
Tip #1: Pick any mushrooms you like
Unlike other dishes, you can use any kind of mushroom you like to prepare mushroom ketchup. What matters is the preparation, as most mushrooms add delicious flavor and texture regardless. Some good options are the white button, shiitake, black trumpet, Portobello, and morel.
Tip #2: Use a food processor for your mushrooms
While some people like to puree their mushrooms before using them in this recipe, using a food processor or food mill produces a better texture. Grinding mushrooms with a food processor keeps them thick and prevents mushiness.
If you only have a blender or need to puree your mushrooms, consider adding a bit of cornstarch or xanthan gum so that the texture is thicker.
Tip #3: It preserves better when refrigerated
This step isn’t necessary, but it truly helps keep your mushroom ketchup fresh. Some believe that the salt in the recipe is enough to keep the sauce fresh, but it does have soy sauce and other ingredients that can go bad. If you leave your sauce stored out of the refrigerator, it may also grow yeast.
Tip #4: You can reuse some of the mushrooms
Another key part of making this mushroom ketchup is that you make a mushroom mash, but you don’t have to discard it. Save the mash, dehydrate it, and then use it as needed.
Some good ideas to use the dehydrated mushrooms are to use them as thickener powder or salt. You can even add it back to the recipe for extra flavor.
Tip #5: Use mushroom ketchup in plenty of recipes
Even if you have never made it, or had it before, mushroom ketchup is a great addition to plenty of recipes. Some great options are to use it as a marinade for meats, as a soy or fish sauce substitute, for seasoning sausage, and to flavor soups.
Tip #6: You can make different adaptations to the recipe
As with other recipes that contain mushrooms, this one is versatile and allows for improvisation. You can always add more of any of the ingredients and cook it longer to make a thicker sauce.
If you feel like adding different spices, you can, perhaps a bit of cumin, or paprika. You can also add flour, xanthan gum, or cornstarch to your mushroom ketchup and make it thicker for use as a condiment.
Tip #7: Save some for later
Mushroom ketchup can last for a long time, so instead of letting your ingredients go to waste, make plenty of batches and save them for later. Some people save them in airtight jars in the fridge, and then use them as paste, marinade, or base for a soup.
If you like to, you can even gift it to people as a treat when they come over for dinner, or during a special occasion. Make sure to check your jars or containers of ketchup constantly, especially if you are waiting a while to use it.
Tip #8: If you don’t have fresh mushroom, use your dry ones
Sometimes it is hard to find fresh wild mushrooms, but this sauce will be good even if you use dry mushrooms. You can try any kind that you like or already have. If you plan on making this sauce last minute, you can surely choose any dried mushrooms you already have.
To make things even easier, you can use other dried spices as well. While the recipe varies, some good seasonings to use include bay leaves, allspice, dried thyme, dried ginger, dried garlic, and mace.
Get some mushroom ketchup in your life!
As you can see there are plenty of reasons to make this mushroom ketchup, but the process should now be quick and easy to follow. Remember to add your finished ketchup to other marinades, soups, dips, and stews
It’s time to start cooking your secret mushroom ketchup that will leave everyone wanting more. Don’t worry; since it is an old recipe that no one truly knows, you can improvise to your taste and preference.
