How To Make Ketchup From Fresh Tomatoes?

Ketchup is a popular condiment that’s perfect for burgers, fries, and more. While you can easily buy ketchup at the store, making your own at home is a fun and easy way to customize the flavor and avoid any unwanted preservatives. This recipe will show you how to make ketchup from fresh tomatoes, so you can enjoy a flavorful and healthier version of this classic condiment.

In This Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 pounds ripe tomatoes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Equipments

• Large pot
• Immersion blender or regular blender
• Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Glass jars with lids

Instructions

1. Cut the tomatoes into quarters and remove the stems. Add them to a large pot along with the chopped onion and minced garlic.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have broken down and become soft.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the mixture until it’s smooth.
4. Place a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl and strain the puree to remove any seeds or skins.
5. Return the strained puree to the pot and add the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, or until the ketchup has thickened to your desired consistency.
7. Remove the pot from the heat and let the ketchup cool for a few minutes. Then, use a funnel to transfer it into glass jars with lids.
8. Store the ketchup in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.

Tips To Make Delicious Ketchup

• Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
• Add more or less sugar to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any seeds or skins from the puree.
• Adjust the spices to your liking. You can add more or less cinnamon, cloves, or allspice depending on your taste preferences.
• Store the ketchup in sterilized jars to ensure freshness and avoid spoilage.

Variations Of Ketchup

• Spicy ketchup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Smoky ketchup: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
• Herbed ketchup: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, or thyme, for an herb-infused ketchup.
• Fruit ketchup: Substitute some or all of the tomatoes with fruit, such as peaches, mangoes, or strawberries, for a fruity twist on ketchup.
• Roasted tomato ketchup: Roast the tomatoes in the oven for about 30 minutes before pureeing them to add a roasted flavor to the ketchup.
• Balsamic ketchup: Substitute the apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a tangy and slightly sweet ketchup.

Nutritional Values

This recipe makes about 3-4 cups of ketchup. The nutritional values per tablespoon serving are approximately:

• Calories: 15 kcal
• Total fat: 0 g
• Total carbs: 4 g
• Sugars: 3 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Sodium: 70 mg

Preparation time: 2 hours and 30 minutes.

See Also

Easy and Delicious Authentic Ratatouille Recipe

Conclusion

Making ketchup from fresh tomatoes is a simple and delicious way to create a flavorful and healthier version of this classic condiment. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can make your own ketchup at home that’s perfect for all your favorite dishes. Try it out and see for yourself how delicious homemade ketchup can be!