The world of homemade condiments is vast, delicious, and not too complex to enjoy in any kitchen. And while many are loyal to their preferred tomato ketchup brand of choice, banana ketchup opens up a whole new world of options for a homemade sauce, dip, or marinade that utilizes that bunch of bananas on your counter that may be a little too soft to snack on. If you’re not yet familiar with this Filipino staple, now’s the time to acquaint yourself with the long-beloved rival (or partner, you choose) to Heinz.
What Is Banana Ketchup?
Banana ketchup is a condiment popular in the Philippines, and is consumed by Filipinos across the world.
“Banana ketchup was invented by Maria Orosa during World War II,” explains chef Frances Tariga of New York’s Tadhana. “Americans introduced tomato ketchup to the Philippines and since we have an abundance of bananas, we made our own ketchup, which is the banana ketchup. Every Filipino loves the sweet notes of the banana and the tanginess from coconut vinegar.”
Banana ketchup can be easily made at home, or purchased from the grocery store. Banana ketchup is also easily sourced online in the United States.
What Bananas to Use For Banana Ketchup
Standard bananas are the best bananas to use for making banana ketchup. Similar to making banana bread, you’ll want ripe or overripe bananas that are full of flavor and sweetness, and are easy to puree. Tariga recommends starting with bananas that are black on the peel.
To ripen bananas quickly, place whole, unpeeled bananas on a sheet pan and bake them at 300 degrees for an hour.
Ways to Serve Banana Ketchup
There are so many ways to enjoy and serve banana ketchup.
“Filipinos eat a lot of fried food, and we pair it well with banana ketchup,” says Tariga. “It’s basically our duck sauce.” Anything that goes well with a sweet and sour sauce, or traditional ketchup, can be improved with banana ketchup. Try it on fried chicken or crispy tofu, hot dogs, spring rolls, calamari, or any food that comes out of the deep fryer or air fryer.
Tariga says the best way to serve banana ketchup is with lumpia as well as barbecue. “Banana ketchup and egg is what most kids eat every day in the Philippines,” she adds. It’s also a common addition to any kid’s meal, similar to tomato ketchup going on everything for the under-12 crowd in the United States.
Banana Ketchup Recipe
If you’re interested in making banana ketchup for yourself at home, follow the step-by-step recipe below.
link
