Easy Homemade Ketchup Recipe – Fresh and Flavorful

Homemade ketchup is a delicious, preservative-free alternative to store-bought varieties, made with fresh tomatoes and simple spices. Here’s a quick and easy recipe to make your own ketchup at home.

Ingredients:

• 600 grams tomatoes (or 2 cups tomato puree)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 inch ginger, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Cook the Tomatoes:
   • If using fresh tomatoes, chop them and cook in a pot over medium heat with 1/2 cup of water. Simmer until they’re soft, about 10 minutes.
   • Blend the tomatoes until smooth, then strain to remove seeds and skins.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In a separate pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, ginger and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • Add the tomato puree to the pot with onions and garlic. Stir in apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, paprika, cinnamon, and black pepper.
4. Simmer the Ketchup:
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a ketchup-like consistency.
5. Blend and Strain:
   • Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then blend until smooth. Strain again if needed for a smoother texture.
6. Cool and Store:
   • Let the ketchup cool completely before transferring to a clean jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.

Tips:

• Adjust Sweetness and Spice: Add more or less sugar depending on your preferred sweetness, and experiment with spices for a custom flavor.
• Vinegar Choice: Apple cider vinegar adds a nice depth, but you can use white vinegar for a tangier taste.

Nutrition Chart for Homemade Ketchup (per tablespoon)

• Calories —————— 10 kcal
• Total Fat —————— 0 g
• Cholesterol ————— 0 mg
• Sodium ——————– 50 mg
• Total Carbohydrates — 2 g
• Protein ——————— 0 g
• Sugar ———————— 1 g
• Fiber ———————— 0 g

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.