Making your own ketchup at home is easier than you think! This delicious homemade ketchup is made with ripe tomatoes, natural spices, and just the right amount of tangy sweetness. It's free from preservatives and tastes even better than store-bought ketchup. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a fresh, vibrant ketchup perfect for burgers, fries, or anything that needs a tasty dip.

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (1 kg) ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes:

1. Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly and chopping them into small pieces. Remove any stems or bruised parts.
2. For smoother ketchup, blanch the tomatoes: boil them for 1-2 minutes, transfer to ice water, and peel off the skin.

2. Cook the Base:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté for 3-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and stir well. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

3. Add Spices and Simmer:

1. Reduce the heat to low and add apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper, cinnamon, paprika, and cloves.
2. Mix well, cover, and let the mixture simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it cooks.

4. Blend the Ketchup:

1. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes.
2. Once cooled, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
3. For extra smoothness, strain the ketchup through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and chunks.

5. Adjust Seasoning and Store:

1. Taste the ketchup and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, sugar, or vinegar as desired.
2. Return the blended ketchup to the stove and simmer for 5-10 minutes to thicken further if needed.
3. Let the ketchup cool completely, then transfer it to sterilized jars or bottles.

Serving and Storing:

• Store your homemade ketchup in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
• Use it as a dip for fries, spread for burgers, or as a tasty base for sauces.
• You can also freeze ketchup in small portions for longer storage.

Tips for Success:

• Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.
• For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
• Blanching tomatoes before cooking will make peeling easier and result in smoother ketchup.
• If you prefer a sweeter ketchup, increase the brown sugar by 1-2 tablespoons.
• Experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice to customize the flavor.

This homemade ketchup recipe is a perfect addition to your kitchen repertoire. It's not only healthier but also richer in flavor compared to store-bought versions. Give it a try and enjoy the fresh, tangy taste of homemade ketchup with your favorite dishes!