Homemade Tomato Ketchup
Introduction
Thick, rich, tangy, and naturally delicious, Homemade Tomato Ketchup is an easy way to make a flavorful condiment right in your kitchen. Made with ripe tomatoes, vinegar, spices, and a touch of sweetness, this homemade version is perfect with fries, burgers, sandwiches, grilled meats, and so much more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍅 Fresh tomato flavor
🥫 Thick and smooth texture
🌿 Simple pantry spices
🍟 Perfect for fries and burgers
🏠 Easy homemade condiment
🧊 Great for meal prep
Ingredients
2 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped
½ medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ teaspoon mustard powder
Instructions
1. 🍅 Add the chopped tomatoes, onion, and garlic to a large saucepan.
2. 🔥 Cook over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes become very soft.
3. 🥄 Stir in the tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, cinnamon, cloves, and mustard powder.
4. ⏳ Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
5. 🥣 Carefully transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until completely smooth.
6. 🫗 For an extra-smooth ketchup, pass the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve.
7. 🔥 Return the ketchup to the saucepan and simmer for another 10–15 minutes until it reaches your preferred thickness.
8. 🍅 Taste and adjust the sweetness, salt, or vinegar if needed.
9. ❄️ Allow the ketchup to cool completely.
10. 🫙 Transfer to a clean airtight jar and refrigerate.
Tips
🍅 Use very ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
🍎 Adjust the vinegar and sugar to your preferred sweet-tangy balance.
🥣 Straining the ketchup gives it a smoother, store-bought-style texture.
🌶️ Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for a spicy version.
🧊 Keep refrigerated and use a clean spoon each time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade ketchup with crispy French fries, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, chicken tenders, roasted potatoes, grilled meats, or homemade onion rings.
Conclusion
Homemade Tomato Ketchup is rich, tangy, slightly sweet, and packed with fresh tomato flavor. Once you taste this homemade version, you’ll love having a jar ready in the refrigerator for all your favorite meals.