7 Kitchen Staples You Can Easily Make Yourself

Looking to cut grocery costs? You may be able to save quite a bit making your own condiments, sauces and dressings. These recipes will get you started.

There are very few bottled items in my refrigerator that I have not made myself. I enjoy making my own condiments because I can tell exactly where each ingredient came from!

I also like to make condiments that use up the bounty of my garden. Currently that would be tomatoes!

The following are seven common kitchen staples that I make myself and that you can too!

1. Applesauce

Core and slice some organic apples. Simmer them down and sprinkle with cinnamon. Applesauce!

2. Tomato Paste

Peel and seed your tomatoes, and then dice them into little pieces. Put tomatoes in a single layer in a medium-large saucepan. Toss some salt over the tomatoes and cook at medium heat, uncovered, stirring once in a while, until you have tomato paste!

Be patient because it can take a couple of hours for this to happen. Keep the heat low enough that the tomatoes aren’t boiling, but high enough that there’s steam coming from them.

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3. Ketchup

To a good scoop or two of organic tomato paste (or homemade!), add a dollop of organic molasses or local honey, some organic apple cider vinegar, a pinch of onion powder, a pinch of garlic powder, a pinch of allspice, and some salt and pepper. Add a little bit of water and bring to a boil. Simmer until it looks like ketchup!

4. Salsa

Your basic ingredients will be Roma tomatoes, onion, bell peppers, jalapenos, lime juice, salt, and cilantro. Taste test until you get it just right.

Once you have the basic formula down, have fun with it! Separate your salsa into little batches where you can add all kinds of things. Add in some avocado, mango, strawberries, pineapple or black beans.

You’re limited only by your imagination!

5. Barbecue Sauce

Here’s a great recipe for you to try (it’s also Paleo!):

1/2 cup organic tomato sauce
1 cup organic apple juice
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup local honey or organic molasses
4 tablespoons organic Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon hot sauce (can adjust to taste or omit)
1 cup sweet onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter

Cook onion in melted butter until clear. Slowly stir in liquid ingredients, adding dry at the end. Bring to a boil for about 15 minutes, stirring continuously.

Use in place of any BBQ sauce.

6. Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise really is just a mixture of oil, egg, lemon juice, and seasonings. Here’s a fantastic recipe for paleo mayo for you to try:

1 large egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup avocado oil, grape seed, or olive oil

Mix together all ingredients except oil. Once all previous ingredients are fully combined, whisk in oil.

You are done!

7. Salad Dressing

My easy balsamic vinaigrette is the only salad dressing recipe you will ever need!

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, pressed
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Can You Save Making Your Own Condiments?

It’s not all that much work to make your own kitchen staples and condiments. In fact, I find that making these items as I need them is quite convenient and spares a lot of space in my refrigerator.

It also saves on the grocery bill!

Reviewed November 2023

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