Homemade Ketchup

Experience the incomparable flavor of Homemade Ketchup, a delicious alternative to store-bought varieties. Unlike most bottled ketchups loaded with high-fructose corn syrup, this recipe uses natural ingredients and just a hint of sugar. By preparing your own ketchup, you can savor its rich taste and customize it to your liking. Once you try this homemade version, you’ll never go back. Additionally, we’ll explore two exciting variations: Green Ketchup and Tomatoless Ketchup, perfect for gardeners and those seeking unique flavors.

Makes: About 1 quart

Time: About 2 hours

INGREDIENTS:

• 3/4 cup cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Pickling Spice (recipe on page 67)
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., grapeseed or corn)
• 1 red or yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and roughly chopped
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 1 celery stalk, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 6 cups chopped ripe tomato (about 3 pounds tomatoes; canned tomatoes can be used, without draining)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• Salt, to taste
• Cayenne, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a small pot, heat the cider vinegar and Pickling Spice until just starting to boil. Turn off the heat and let the spices steep for at least 45 minutes.
2. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper, onion, celery, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft (approximately 10 minutes).
3. Stir in the tomato paste until it is evenly distributed and begins to color (around 1-2 minutes). Add the chopped tomato, stirring well and scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
4. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture slightly thickens (approximately 45 minutes). Be careful not to let the tomatoes stick to the bottom and burn.
5. Strain the spiced vinegar and add it to the tomato mixture. Stir in the brown sugar, salt, and cayenne. Continue cooking until the ketchup reaches a slightly thinner consistency than bottled ketchup (about 45 minutes).
6. Taste the ketchup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remove the pot from the heat.
7. Use an immersion blender to puree the ketchup directly in the pot, or pass it through a food mill. Alternatively, let the mixture cool slightly, then carefully transfer it to a blender or food processor to puree.
8. Once the ketchup has cooled, serve it immediately or refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks.

VARIATIONS:

• Green Ketchup: Ideal for gardeners, this variation replaces the red or yellow pepper with a green one. Use 2 pounds of green tomatoes and 1 pound of peeled and cored tart apples (approximately 6 cups total). Consider substituting a seeded jalapeño for the garlic. Omit the tomato paste and increase the brown sugar to 1/2 cup. Add a cup of water when adding the green tomatoes in Step 2.
• Tomatoless Ketchup: Blurring the lines between ketchup and chutney, this variation substitutes tomatoes with 3 pounds of chopped carrots and 2 pounds of peeled and chopped beets. Add 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice along with the carrots and beets in Step 2. Omit the tomato paste if desired.

USES:

• Classic Condiment: Use Homemade Ketchup as a versatile condiment for burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. Its tangy and slightly sweet profile enhances the flavors of your favorite comfort foods.
• Dipping Delight: Enjoy Homemade Ketchup as a dip for french fries, onion rings, or chicken tenders. Its smooth texture and well-balanced taste make it the perfect companion for crispy snacks.
• Flavorful Ingredient: Incorporate Homemade Ketchup into your favorite recipes to add depth and complexity. Use it as a base for barbecue sauces, marinades, or meatloaf glazes to elevate the overall flavor profile of your dishes.

Elevate your meals with the incredible taste of Homemade Ketchup. Free from high-fructose corn syrup and bursting with natural flavors, this condiment is perfect for burgers, sandwiches, and dipping. Customize it to your preference and enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own condiment masterpiece. Explore the Green Ketchup variation for a garden-fresh twist or delve into the Tomatoless Ketchup, blurring the lines between ketchup and chutney. Unleash your creativity in the kitchen and savor the unbeatable taste of homemade goodness.