KETCHUP Before KETCHUP - BRITISH UMAMI in a Bottle

mushrooms

🥗Healthier: shiitake mushrooms

💰Cheaper: button mushrooms

Shiitake adds depth of flavor while button mushrooms are more affordable.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar offers a milder taste, while white vinegar is cost-effective.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds natural sweetness, while brown sugar is a budget-friendly alternative.

spices

🥗Healthier: herbs

💰Cheaper: dried spices

Fresh herbs provide flavor, while dried spices are often cheaper.

Chop the mushrooms finely.

Transfer the chopped mushrooms to a ceramic or glass bowl.

Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the mushrooms and mix well.

Cover the bowl and let the mixture sit overnight to draw out moisture.

After 24 hours, observe the fluid released from the mushrooms.

In a pan, combine the mushroom mixture with onion, garlic, ground allspice, cloves, bay leaf, and malt vinegar.

Turn on the heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, partially covered, for about 40 minutes.

After simmering, let the mixture cool slightly before blending it with a stick blender.

Strain the blended mixture to extract the liquid, squeezing out as much fluid as possible.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary