easy tomato ketchup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best easy tomato ketchup recipe

I love making homemade tomato ketchup from scratch, it’s a game-changer for any meal. My family and I have been enjoying this easy recipe for years, and it’s always a hit. The best part?

It’s incredibly simple to make and requires just a few ingredients. The result is a deliciously rich and tangy condiment that’s perfect for topping burgers, fries, or using as a dip. Plus, it’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen – they love helping with the chopping and stirring.

This recipe is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too once you try it out. This recipe has its roots in traditional European cooking, where cooks would preserve tomatoes by cooking them down with sugar and vinegar to create a sweet and tangy condiment. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include various spices and flavorings, but the basic principle remains the same.

I’ve tweaked this recipe to suit our family’s tastes, using fresh tomatoes and minimal sugar to create a truly authentic taste experience. It’s amazing how something so simple can bring so much joy to mealtime. The key to making great homemade tomato ketchup is using high-quality ingredients – especially the tomatoes.

I like to use ripe but firm tomatoes for this recipe, as they’ll hold their texture better during cooking. You can use any variety of tomato you like, but I find that Roma or cherry tomatoes work best for this recipe. When it comes to cooking the ketchup, I like to use a combination of sautéing and simmering techniques to bring out the flavors of the ingredients.

By doing this, you’ll create a rich and deep flavor profile that’s just perfect for topping your favorite foods.

Easy Homemade Tomato Ketchup

4.8 from 738 votes

This simple tomato ketchup is made with pantry staples and has a rich, tangy flavor. It comes together in under an hour and is perfect for burgers, fries, or as a dipping sauce.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 2 cupsCuisine: InternationalCalories: 45 kcal per tablespoon

🥘Ingredients

For the Ketchup

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Combine the crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, allspice, cloves, and cayenne pepper in a medium saucepan.
2Stir well to dissolve the sugar and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, which should take about 5 minutes.
3Reduce the heat to low and let the ketchup simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4The mixture will thicken and reduce by about half; you will know it is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear trail when you run your finger through it.
5Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the ketchup cool for 5 minutes.
6For a smooth texture, press the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or food mill into a clean bowl, discarding any solids.
7Transfer the ketchup to a glass jar or bottle and let it cool completely to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
8Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld; the ketchup will keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon
Fine-mesh strainer or food mill
Glass jar or bottle for storage

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 45 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 160mg🌾Total Carbs: 11g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 9g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

For a thicker ketchup, simmer an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Adjust sweetness by adding more brown sugar or tanginess with extra vinegar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Watch Video Of How Easy Homemade Tomato Ketchup Works

One of my favorite things about this easy tomato ketchup recipe is how versatile it is – whether you’re serving it at home or taking it on-the-go (just pour some into an empty jar or ziplock bag!) , there are countless ways to enjoy this delicious condiment.

In terms of storage ideas, one thing that’s worked really well for us is repurposing old glass jars as storage containers – simply clean them thoroughly after each use (to prevent contamination) before filling them up again with fresh ketchup. As far as reheating goes – since homemade tomato ketchup typically doesn’t contain any preservatives like commercial brands might – make sure you reheat your batch gently over low heat until warm throughout (never boiling), then serve immediately.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato Ketchup

1.

Q: What makes this recipe ‘easy’ compared to other tomato ketchup recipes?
A: This recipe is easy because it uses just a few ingredients and skips the step of roasting or caramelizing the tomatoes. Instead, we cook them down with some sugar and spices to create a rich and tangy flavor profile.

2.

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
A: While you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute, I highly recommend using fresh ones for the best flavor and texture. Fresh tomatoes will give your ketchup a more vibrant color and an explosion of flavor that canned tomatoes just can’t replicate.

3.

Q: What if I don’t have any sugar on hand? Can I omit it altogether?
A: You can omit the sugar if you prefer your ketchup less sweet, but keep in mind that it will affect the overall flavor profile of your condiment. If you choose not to add sugar, simply omit it from the recipe altogether.

4.

Q: How do I store my homemade tomato ketchup?
A: Store your homemade tomato ketchup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to six months. When freezing, be sure to transfer the ketchup into an ice cube tray before placing it in the freezer.

5.

Q: Can I use this recipe as a base for other condiments?
A: Absolutely! You can experiment with different spices and flavorings to create unique variations on traditional tomato ketchup recipes. Try adding some smoky chipotle peppers or experimenting with different types of vinegar for added depth.

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