Homemade Tomato Ketchup is a flavorful and customizable alternative to store-bought varieties, offering a depth of flavor that is both rich and robust. Crafting ketchup at home allows you to tailor the spices and sweetness to your liking, creating a condiment that can enhance any meal. This ketchup starts with fresh tomatoes simmered with onions, vinegar, and a blend of spices like cinnamon, clove, and allspice. Whether slathered on burgers, used as a dip for fries, or as a base for other sauces, this tomato ketchup is a versatile staple that elevates simple dishes to something special.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
Directions:
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large saucepan, combine the chopped tomatoes, onion, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, black pepper, and garlic. Stir well to mix.
- Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the mixture is thickened and reduced by half. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Blend and Strain:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Transfer to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
- Strain the pureed mixture through a fine mesh sieve back into the saucepan to remove any seeds and skins.
- Reduce Further:
- Return the strained ketchup to low heat and simmer until it reaches your desired ketchup consistency, typically an additional 20 to 30 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Bottle and Store:
- Allow the ketchup to cool completely. Transfer it into clean bottles or jars and seal tightly.
- Store the ketchup in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Homemade Tomato Ketchup is not only a treat for those who cherish crafting their condiments but also a delightful project that results in a product far superior to its commercial counterparts. Its rich, nuanced flavors make it an excellent addition to any pantry, ready to enhance any dish that calls for a touch of tangy sweetness.
