Homemade Ketchup Recipe: Elevate Your Dishes Today!

The aroma of freshly made ketchup wafting through the kitchen is nothing short of magical. Picture this: a rich, tangy blend of ripe tomatoes, spices, and just the right hint of sweetness. It’s like a culinary hug that makes every meal feel special. Whether you’re dipping crispy fries or slathering it on a juicy burger, ketchup elevates the experience to a whole new level.

This beloved condiment holds a special place in my heart and my fridge. I remember the time my niece had her first taste of homemade ketchup; her eyes lit up like she’d just found gold at the end of a rainbow. It became our secret recipe for family barbecues, where everyone gathered around, eagerly waiting for that perfect dip. Trust me; once you try this version, you may never want to go back to store-bought.

My friends couldn’t get enough of this ketchup during our last cookout; they practically begged for the recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ripe Tomatoes: Choose firm tomatoes for a rich flavor; heirloom varieties work wonders in this recipe.

• Onion: A medium onion adds depth; sauté until translucent to release its natural sweetness.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential here; they infuse the ketchup with an irresistible aroma.

• Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for balanced sweetness; it complements the acidity beautifully.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: This tangy vinegar enhances flavor; opt for organic if possible for better quality.

• Spices (Cinnamon, Allspice, Cloves): These warm spices add complexity; don’t skip them!

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather and chop your tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Make sure everything is ready before you start cooking to streamline the process.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat some oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, stirring until they turn golden brown and fragrant—about 5 minutes.

Add Tomatoes: Toss in your ripe tomatoes along with salt and pepper. Cook until they break down into a chunky sauce—approximately 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Mix in Sweetness and Spice: Stir in brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Allow everything to simmer gently for about 20 minutes until thickened slightly.

Blend Until Smooth: Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before blending until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender—a velvety texture is key!

Final Taste Test!: Taste your homemade ketchup! Adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more sugar or vinegar based on personal preference before storing in sealed jars.

Now that you have created this delightful homemade ketchup, enjoy slathering it on everything from burgers to veggie sticks!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add tomatoes, vinegar, and spices. Simmer this mixture for at least 30 minutes to develop deep flavors before blending for a smooth texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the sugar for honey or maple syrup for a unique sweetness. Add chili flakes if you like it spicy or fresh basil for a herbal twist that surprises your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating

Store your homemade ketchup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three weeks. For reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat to retain its luscious flavor.

Cooking this ketchup reminds me of summer barbecues when my friends would rave about it while devouring burgers.

FAQ

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, using canned tomatoes can save time and still yield great flavor.

How can I make my ketchup less sweet?

Reduce the sugar and increase vinegar slightly to balance the flavors better.

Is it possible to can homemade ketchup?

Yes, follow safe canning guidelines to preserve your delicious ketchup long-term.

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Homemade Ketchup

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Experience the joy of homemade ketchup with this simple recipe that combines ripe tomatoes, aromatic spices, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for dipping, slathering on burgers, or enjoying with fries, this flavorful condiment elevates any meal. Customizable to suit your taste, it’s a delightful addition to summer barbecues or as a thoughtful gift for food lovers.

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

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• 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by chopping tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic in oil for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
3. Add chopped tomatoes along with salt and pepper; cook for approximately 10 minutes until they break down into a chunky sauce.
4. Stir in brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Simmer gently for about 20 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before blending until smooth using an immersion or regular blender.
6. Taste your ketchup and adjust seasoning if necessary before transferring it to sealed jars for storage.

• Author: DANIEL LAWSON
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30g)
• Calories: 25
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg