Recipe steps
Today we’re making a little ketchup sauce for baby—the real homemade version!
Ketchup for baby
Ketchup is much more than just a bright red sauce you find on supermarket shelves. It is a delicious tomato-based sauce, lightly seasoned with spices and aromatics, that adds a gentle sweet touch when we dip food into it.
But be careful when choosing it, because there are many different types of ketchup. So why not make it yourself?
At what age can baby have ketchup?
We often wonder at what age we can offer ketchup to our babies. Most store-bought ketchup sauces are unfortunately full of preservatives and other ingredients that are anything but natural, so they are not really suitable for baby’s diet. However, you can find organic vegetable ketchups such as the one from Quintesens or Sienna & friends.
The main thing to check is how much sugar these sauces contain. You can usually offer them around 12 to 18 months. That is why today I am sharing a very simple homemade ketchup sauce adapted for our babies from 10 months!
Here is what you need to make this baby ketchup:
Ingredients
How to make ketchup for baby
To start, wash the cocktail tomatoes, peel them, then remove the seeds.
To peel them easily, here is a great technique: simply score a little cross on the tomato skin with a knife, then place the tomatoes in boiling water for about 20 seconds. The skin will then come off very easily.
Otherwise, here is the Zyliss tomato peeler I use for all vegetables with very thin skins. I love it—it is a must-have in my kitchen!
Blend the tomato flesh.
Cooking
Then place the liquid you obtained in a saucepan. Add a few drops of balsamic vinegar and a small pinch of sugar (from 12 months). If you use balsamic glaze, there is no need to add sugar!
Let it reduce over low to medium heat for a few minutes, then let it cool off the heat. The goal is to get a ketchup that is still nice and thick.
And that’s it! This baby ketchup is very simple to make, and it is so much nicer to offer this kind of sauce to our babies when we know exactly what is in it 🙂 We have made a real tomato concentrate, with incredible natural flavors—what could be better for our babies?
Enjoy, baby!
Storage
You can store this homemade baby ketchup sauce in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How should I offer ketchup to baby for the first time?
It is best to introduce ketchup gradually into baby’s diet. You can start by offering small amounts of ketchup mixed with other foods your baby already likes, such as cooked vegetables or ground meat. Be sure to watch your baby’s reaction carefully and note any signs of an allergic reaction.
Can I use another type of tomato in this baby ketchup recipe?
Yes, you can replace cocktail tomatoes with other types of tomatoes in this baby ketchup recipe. Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes are very good alternatives because they are also flavorful and naturally sweet. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes to get the best possible flavor for your homemade ketchup.
Are there alternatives to balsamic vinegar that I can use in this baby ketchup recipe?
Yes, there are several alternatives to balsamic vinegar you can use in this baby ketchup recipe. Apple cider vinegar or even lemon juice can be used as substitutes. These alternatives add a light acidity and an interesting flavor to your homemade ketchup while still being suitable for baby’s diet.
How often can I give ketchup to baby?
Since this ketchup is homemade with natural ingredients like tomatoes and balsamic vinegar, it can be introduced into baby’s diet in moderation. Homemade ketchup is best offered occasionally and in an amount suited to baby’s age and nutritional needs, while maintaining a balanced and varied diet.
For store-bought ketchup, it is recommended to limit baby’s intake, especially because of the added sugar content.
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