Homemade Ketchup Recipe - How to Make Ketchup from Scratch

Homemade Ketchup

Homemade Ketchup Recipe - How to Make Ketchup from Scratch
Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Homemade Ketchup
Homemade Ketchup

Homemade ketchup is a delicious and healthier alternative to store-bought ketchup. By making your own ketchup, you can control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking.

History

Ketchup has a long history, with its origins dating back to ancient China. The modern version of ketchup that we are familiar with today, made with tomatoes, vinegar, and spices, originated in the United States in the 19th century.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients except the sweetener.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat.
  4. Simmer for 30 minutes.
  5. Remove from the heat and add the sweetener.
  6. Mix well.
  7. Refrigerate the mixture in a covered container.
  8. Use within a week.

Variations

  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Use honey or maple syrup instead of artificial sweetener for a natural sweetener option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the ketchup mixture for the full 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less artificial sweetener to suit your taste preferences.

- Store the homemade ketchup in a covered container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve homemade ketchup with burgers, fries, hot dogs, or use it as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the ketchup mixture allows the flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in a rich and flavorful condiment.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize the spices and sweeteners used in this recipe to suit your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

Homemade ketchup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve homemade ketchup in a small dish or squeeze bottle for easy serving and a professional presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Homemade ketchup pairs well with a variety of dishes, including burgers, fries, and grilled meats.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store homemade ketchup in a covered container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of homemade ketchup contains approximately 20 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of homemade ketchup contains approximately 4 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Homemade ketchup is low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

There is less than 1 gram of protein in each serving of homemade ketchup.

Vitamins and minerals

Homemade ketchup is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the tomatoes and vinegar used in the recipe.

Alergens

This homemade ketchup recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten.

Summary

Homemade ketchup is a low-calorie condiment that is free of allergens and provides a small amount of carbohydrates and vitamin C.

Summary

Homemade ketchup is a delicious and customizable condiment that is easy to make at home. By following this recipe, you can enjoy a healthier alternative to store-bought ketchup with fresh ingredients and great flavor.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for homemade ketchup. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, I stumbled upon a faded and stained page that caught my eye. The title read "Homemade Ketchup," and I knew I had to give it a try.

Growing up, ketchup was always a staple in our household. My mother would always have a bottle on the table for us to drizzle over our fries or burgers. But the thought of making my own ketchup from scratch intrigued me. I had never considered the possibility of creating something that I had always taken for granted.

The recipe called for simple ingredients that I already had in my pantry – tomatoes, onions, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and spices. It seemed like a daunting task at first, but I was determined to try it out. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen.

I started by chopping up the tomatoes and onions, the sharp smell of garlic filling the air. As I cooked them down in a pot, the colors began to meld together, creating a rich and vibrant red hue. I added in the vinegar, sugar, and spices, stirring everything together as the mixture simmered on the stove.

The aroma that wafted through the kitchen was intoxicating. It was a far cry from the store-bought ketchup that I was used to – this was something truly special. As the ketchup thickened and reduced, I could taste the tangy sweetness on my tongue. It was a revelation.

Once the ketchup had cooled, I poured it into a glass jar and sealed it tight. I couldn't wait to try it out on my favorite dishes. I slathered it on a burger, dipped some fries into it, and even drizzled it over a meatloaf. The flavor was beyond anything I had ever experienced. It was bold, tangy, and oh so delicious.

From that moment on, homemade ketchup became a staple in my kitchen. I would make batch after batch, experimenting with different spices and flavors to create my own unique twist on the classic condiment. Each time I made a new batch, I would think back to that rainy afternoon when I first discovered the recipe that had changed my culinary world.

Over the years, I shared my homemade ketchup with friends and family, each one raving about the bold flavors and rich texture. They would always ask me for the recipe, and I would gladly pass it along, knowing that it had the power to bring a little bit of joy into their lives.

As I look back on that fateful day when I first learned to make homemade ketchup, I am filled with gratitude. It opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me in the kitchen, inspiring me to continue to explore and create. And while I may have learned the recipe from a dusty old cookbook, the memories and experiences that came from making it are truly priceless.

Categories

| American Recipes | Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends | Ketchup Recipes | Sugar-free Recipes | Tomato Paste Recipes | Vinegar Recipes |

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