Proper Homemade Ketchup: From Scratch Goodness

Ditch the shop-bought stuff! This easy ketchup recipe makes the BEST homemade ketchup. Sweet, tangy, and ready in under 2 hours. Get the recipe now!

Alright, let's dive into some proper ketchup, shall we? Ever wondered if you could ditch the supermarket bottles? I certainly did!

Proper Homemade Ketchup: The Only Ketchup Recipe You'll Ever Need!

Fancy making your own ketchup homemade ? honestly, once you taste this, you'll never go back to the shop-bought stuff.

We're talking deep, rich tomato flavour with a tangy sweetness and a subtle spice. it's seriously miles better.

This easy ketchup recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish. that includes a good simmer. it makes about 2 cups (enough to keep you going for a bit).

It's not exactly a quick weeknight dinner thing. but, trust me, it is worth the effort. it's a medium-level recipe.

From Humble Beginnings to Condiment King

Did you know ketchup actually has roots in ancient china? it wasn't always tomato-based. mind blown, right? our best ketchup recipe is a modern take on a classic.

It skips the fish sauce of the olden days! it uses gorgeous ripe tomatoes and warming spices.

The Star of the Show: Tomatoes!

Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. this homemade catsup recipe is not just delicious, but it's good for you too! think of it as a flavour-packed health boost.

This homemade catsup is perfect for summer barbecues or cozy winter comfort food. it's special because it's yours . you made it, and you can tweak it to your liking.

Now, let's get to the good stuff - the ingredients. The full list is below!

Alright, mate! Let's talk ingredients for the best ketchup recipe you'll ever try. We're ditching the shop-bought stuff, honestly. This homemade ketchup is a game changer. It really is that good.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

This ketchup recipe uses simple stuff. Here's what you need. I got most of this from the local, but you can buy it at most supermarkets.

• Ripe Roma Tomatoes: 2 pounds (900g) . Look for tomatoes that smell good! Squishy ones mean are prime tomatoes to use!
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium (about 1 cup/150g) , finely chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, yeah?
• Apple Cider Vinegar: ½ cup (120ml) .
• Water: ¼ cup (60ml) .

Seasoning Notes

Spices are key to this easy ketchup recipe . They add a depth of flavour that's simply amazing. I once forgot the allspice and oh my gosh, it was bland!

• Light Brown Sugar: ¼ cup (50g) , packed. It adds a subtle sweetness.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons .
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon . This gives it a lovely smoky taste.
• Ground Allspice: ½ teaspoon . Don't skip this!
• Ground Cloves: ¼ teaspoon . A little goes a long way.
• Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (optional). For a bit of a kick!
• Sea Salt: 1 teaspoon , or to taste.
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon , freshly ground.
• Bay Leaf: 1 . Remember to remove it later!

Equipment Needed

You don't need fancy gadgets for this ketchup recipe for canning or simply for storing.

• Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Prevents burning. A Dutch oven is great too.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring.
• Immersion Blender: Optional, for a super smooth ketchup.
• Fine-Mesh Sieve: Or a food mill, to remove seeds and skins.
• Sterilized Jars: For storing your homemade catsup .

This homemade ketchup for canning is a labor of love. but seriously, folks, once you taste it, you'll never go back to the bottled stuff.

Give this canning ketchup recipe a go! you will be pleasantly surprised! this ketchup homemade version is the real deal!.

Alright, let's get cooking! Today, we're ditching the shop-bought stuff and making proper homemade ketchup . Honestly, once you've tasted this, you'll never go back. Trust me.

Prep Like a Pro: Ketchup Edition

First things first: mise en place , darlings! that means getting everything prepped and ready before we start. chop 2 pounds (900g) of ripe roma tomatoes – roughly is fine, no need to be precious! dice 1 medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic .

Measure out 1/2 cup (120ml) apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup (60ml) water . organise everything! it makes cooking a breeze.

Oh my gosh, this best ketchup recipe is so good!

From Tomato to Treasure: Ketchup Step-by-Step

Right then, here's the magic!

1. Sauté the onion in a large pot until soft. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Chuck in the tomatoes and water. Simmer until softened.
3. Stir in 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar , 2 tablespoons tomato paste , 1 teaspoon smoked paprika , 1/2 teaspoon allspice , 1/4 teaspoon cloves , 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional) , 1 teaspoon salt , 1/2 teaspoon pepper , and 1 bay leaf .
4. Simmer on low for 1.5- 2 hours , stirring now and then, until thickened. Seriously thickened!
5. Blend with an immersion blender (carefully!).
6. Strain for a super smooth finish. Critical : Remove the solids.
7. Simmer to reach desired consistency, about 15- 30 minutes .
8. Cool the Homemade Catsup completely. Now you've got a delicious Easy Ketchup Recipe !

Ketchup Secrets: Pro Tips

Want to up your ketchup game? Here's the lowdown.

• Avoid Burning : Stir, stir, stir! Especially at the end.
• Taste as you go : More sugar? More vinegar? You decide! Honestly, tasting is a must.

You can make this ketchup up to a week in advance! This Ketchup Homemade goodness is ready to go when you need it.

There you have it, the best homemade catsup recipe out there. enjoy and happy cooking! if you want to save it, check for ketchup recipe for canning .

If you want to keep it more stable, look for homemade ketchup for canning tips or a canning ketchup recipe .

This ketchup recipe is amazing!

Alright, so you've got your best ketchup recipe down, haven't you? ace! but hold on a tick, before you go slathering it on everything, let's chat about a few extra bits to make your ketchup recipe absolutely top-notch.

Recipe Notes

Serve it Up Right, Mate!

Honestly, presentation does matter! forget slapping a blob on the side. think fancy! we're not talking masterchef levels. a neat dollop next to your chips (or fries, for those across the pond) makes all the difference.

Plating it can make it that much better.

What about pairings? this ketchup homemade is fantastic with, well, pretty much anything! but for something extra special, try it with sweet potato fries or even a cheeky grilled cheese.

A refreshing pint of lager also does the trick!

Storing Your Liquid Gold

Right, so you've made a batch of homemade catsup recipe . Now, how do you keep it fresh? Simple!

Chuck it in a sterilised jar in the fridge. it'll happily keep for about 2 weeks. if you fancy making a bigger batch for longer storage then you will need to sterilise the bottles before you start and you are going to be looking for a ketchup recipe for canning .

Freezing? yeah, you can freeze it, but honestly, the texture might change a bit. it is always going to be better than the average, store bought bottle of ketchup recipe !

Reheating? Nah, no need. Just grab it straight from the fridge.

Mix it Up a Bit!

Fancy a twist? I tried using smoked paprika once. Oh my gosh! Changed the game completely. You can tweak a ketchup recipe to your preferences. So do not be afraid.

For the vegans, just double-check your sugar is vegan-friendly (some aren't!). Easy peasy. Seasonally, in the summer, when tomatoes are at their peak , this easy ketchup recipe goes wild.

Goodness in a Bottle

A little heads up - this homemade catsup isn't just tasty, it's surprisingly good for you! okay, not health food good, but it does have some lycopene (antioxidants from the tomatoes!) and less dodgy stuff than the shop-bought stuff.

As a very simple rule, it is going to be better than the store bought.

Each tablespoon is roughly 20 calories. You know, very simplified.

So there you have it! a ketchup homemade you can truly be proud of. have fun, get creative, and enjoy! don't hesitate with this canning ketchup recipe , get that garden harvest and make some proper ketchup recipes .

You can call it "a taste of home"!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this homemade ketchup recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade ketchup freezes beautifully. Just make sure to leave a little headspace in your container to allow for expansion. When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Give it a good stir before serving, and it'll be just like you made it fresh – Bob's your uncle!

How long does this homemade ketchup recipe last?

If properly stored in sterilized jars in the fridge, your homemade ketchup should last for about 2-3 weeks. Keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage, like mold or an off smell. Remember, no one wants a dodgy tummy after a perfectly good sausage sarnie!

My ketchup is too runny. What can I do?

Not a problem, happens to the best of us! If your ketchup isn't thick enough, just pop it back in the pot and simmer it uncovered over low heat for a bit longer. Stir it frequently to prevent burning, and it will reduce down to that lovely, spoon-coating consistency you're after. Keep calm and ketchup on!

Is there a way to make this ketchup recipe spicier?

Definitely! For a bit of a kick, you can add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the recipe. You could even throw in a finely chopped chilli while the tomatoes are simmering. Taste as you go, mind, and adjust to your liking. Don't want to blow your head off!

Can I use different types of tomatoes for this ketchup recipe?

While Roma tomatoes are ideal due to their lower water content and meaty texture, you can experiment with other varieties. If using juicier tomatoes, like beefsteaks, you may need to extend the simmering time to achieve the desired thickness. Canned crushed tomatoes also work in a pinch, though they'll impact the final cook time.

Is this homemade ketchup recipe healthier than store-bought?

Often, yes! This homemade version allows you to control the ingredients, reducing the amount of added sugar and artificial preservatives that you might find in commercial ketchups. Plus, you're getting a boost of vitamins from the tomatoes. It's a win-win, really! Just remember to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet, like a good cuppa' and a biscuit!

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