20-Minute Homemade Low Carb Chipotle Ketchup
A tangy, smoky ketchup condiment made from fresh roma tomatoes simmered with chipotle powder and white wine vinegar, then blended smooth and thickened with xanthan gum. This sugar-free version delivers the classic ketchup flavor profile with a subtle heat from chipotle, making it ideal for burger nights, dipping sauces, or topping grilled meats. The low carb sweetener keeps it suitable for ketogenic and diabetic-friendly diets, while the fresh tomato base sets it apart from commercial alternatives.
Ingredients
- 4 whole plum tomatoes, roma, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup white wine vinegarapple cider vinegar1:1 ratiomild flavor shiftFull guide →
- ¼ cup low carb sweetenerhoney1:1 rationot keto
adds 4g carbs per 1/4 cup
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp chipotle powdersmoked paprika1:1 ratioremoves heatkeeps smokinessFull guide →
- salt(optional)
- black pepper(optional)
- ⅛ tsp xanthan gum
Instructions
- 1
Roughly chop tomatoes and combine in saucepan with vinegar, onion powder, chipotle powder, and sweetener.
- 2
Cook together for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 3
Cool slightly, then transfer to food processor.
- 4
Blend until smooth and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
- 5
Sprinkle xanthan gum over mixture and blend again until thickened.
- 6
Transfer to bottle or jar for storage.
Tips
Taste before adding all xanthan gum; start with half the amount and add more if needed for desired thickness, as it thickens further as it cools.
Fresh tomatoes yield best results, but canned roma tomatoes work in a pinch; drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery final product.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight bottle or jar for up to 2 weeks. Can also be frozen in ice cube trays for longer storage.
Prepare up to 2 weeks in advance and store in fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Use as a dipping sauce for burger patties, grilled meats, or fried foods. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Common Mistakes
Add xanthan gum too quickly to avoid lumps; sprinkle gradually while blending to achieve smooth thickening.
Over-reduce the mixture to prevent it from becoming too thick and paste-like; the sauce thickens further as it cools.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomato juice instead of whole tomatoes?
Yes, use 1 cup fresh tomato juice or high-quality juice and reduce the cooking time to 5 minutes since liquid requires less reduction than whole fruit.
What if I don't have xanthan gum?
Reduce the cooking time to 15-20 minutes to evaporate more liquid naturally, or use cornstarch slurry (1/8 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) stirred in at the end.
How long will this keep in the freezer?
Frozen ketchup keeps for up to 3 months in an airtight container or ice cube trays for portion control.