Is Deli Mustard healthy?

Yes, it can be a healthy choice. It's low in calories, fat, and sugar. Mustard seeds contain beneficial compounds like glucosinolates and antioxidants. Making it at home allows you to control the salt and sugar content.

Why does my mustard taste bitter right after making it?

A bitter or harsh taste is completely normal for freshly made mustard. The flavors need time to meld and mellow. The mandatory 24-hour refrigeration period is crucial for developing the balanced, tangy flavor you expect from deli mustard.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Absolutely. While white vinegar provides the classic sharp taste, you can use apple cider vinegar for a fruitier tang or white wine vinegar for a milder flavor.

How long does homemade mustard last?

When stored in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator, this mustard will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 months. The vinegar acts as a natural preservative.

Can I make this mustard smoother?

Yes. For a creamier, less rustic texture, you can use an immersion blender to briefly pulse the finished mustard. Alternatively, blend half the mixture until smooth and then stir it back into the remaining whole-seed portion.

Home / Recipes / jewish_american / Deli Mustard

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Deli Mustard

POPULARITY

0.0/5

TASTE SCORE

8/10

A classic, tangy mustard with a spicy kick, just like from your favorite New York deli. Perfect for slathering on pastrami sandwiches, hot dogs, or serving with pretzels. This recipe is simple to prepare, but requires a 24-hour resting period for the flavors to mature perfectly.

PREP

10m

COOK

SERVES

1 TBSP

25 cal

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

For 24 servings

½ cupMustard Powder · Also known as dry mustard.¼ cupBrown Mustard Seeds½ cupCold Water · Using cold water preserves the mustard's spiciness.½ cupWhite Vinegar · Standard 5% acidity.1 tspSalt · Fine sea salt or kosher salt.1 tbspSugar · Granulated white sugar.½ tspTurmeric Powder · Adds the classic yellow color.½ tspGarlic Powder¼ tspPaprika · Sweet or mild paprika, not smoked.

NUTRITION · PER SERVING

CALORIES · 1 TBSP

Protein1g · 16%

Carbs2g · 32%

Fat2g · 72%

Fiber1g

Sodium98mg

Potassium33mg

Phosphorus35mg

How we calculate →

INSTRUCTIONS

4 steps.

4 STEPS

1
Step 1
- a.Combine Dry Ingredients
- b.In a medium non-reactive bowl (glass, ceramic, or stainless steel), add the mustard powder, brown mustard seeds, salt, sugar, turmeric powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
- c.Whisk for 30 seconds to ensure all spices are evenly distributed.
2
Step 2
- a.Hydrate the Mustard
- b.Slowly pour in the cold water and white vinegar while whisking continuously.
- c.Continue to whisk vigorously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. The consistency will seem thin at first but will thicken upon resting.
3
Step 3
- a.Develop Flavors
- b.Cover the bowl and let the mustard sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This initial rest allows the enzymatic reaction that creates the mustard's characteristic heat to begin.
4
Step 4
- a.Mature and Store
- b.Transfer the mustard into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- c.Seal the jar and refrigerate for a minimum of 24 hours before using. This crucial aging period is not optional; it mellows the initial bitterness and allows the complex, tangy flavors to fully develop.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
The 24-hour resting period in the fridge is essential. It transforms the mustard from harsh and bitter to tangy and delicious.
2
Use cold water to maintain a spicier mustard. Warm water deactivates the enzyme responsible for the heat, resulting in a milder flavor.
3
For a smoother texture, you can blend half of the mixture in a blender before combining it back with the whole seeds.
4
The mustard will thicken considerably as it rests. If it becomes too thick, stir in a teaspoon of water or vinegar at a time to reach your desired consistency.
5
Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. The flavor will continue to develop, and it will last for up to 3 months.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Sweetness

For a touch of sweetness, replace the sugar with 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. This will create a honey-mustard or maple-mustard variation.

Spiciness

For extra heat, add 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the other dry spices. For a milder mustard, use warm (not hot) water instead of cold.

Vinegar

Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

antioxidant

Rich in Antioxidants

Mustard seeds are a good source of antioxidants like selenium and glucosinolates, which help protect your body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

inflammation

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Compounds found in mustard seeds and turmeric, such as curcumin and sinigrin, have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.

metabolism

Metabolism Support

Some studies suggest that the compounds that give mustard its heat can slightly increase metabolic rate, potentially aiding in calorie burning.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

One tablespoon of this homemade Deli Mustard contains approximately 15-20 calories, making it a very low-calorie condiment.

PAIRS WELL WITH

Complete meals featuring this recipe

general_healthy·30 min·276 cal

EXPLORE

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Deli Mustard

For 24 servings

4 steps.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4