Perfect Homemade Tomato Ketchup

Discovering the Love for Homemade Ketchup

My Favorite is Homemade Tomato Ketchup I never thought I would be the type of person to make my own ketchup. Like most people, I always bought it from the store, never giving much thought to how it was made. But one summer, with an abundance of ripe tomatoes from my garden, I decided to try something different. I found myself wondering if homemade ketchup could really taste better than the one in a bottle. That curiosity led me to this delightful recipe, and now, I can’t imagine going back to store-bought.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The beauty of this homemade ketchup recipe lies in the freshness of the ingredients. I start with a mix of Roma and heirloom cherry tomatoes, which gives the ketchup its rich, deep flavor. The sweetness from light brown sugar and the tang of white vinegar balance perfectly with the heat from the Anaheim chile. I even make a spice packet with cloves, cinnamon, and a few other seasonings, which brings a warm, slightly spicy aroma to the kitchen. It’s amazing how these simple ingredients transform into something so flavorful.

The Art of Cooking and Blending

The process itself is relaxing. As the tomatoes, onions, and spices simmer on the stove, the house fills with a comforting smell that reminds me of cozy family meals. After about 30 minutes of cooking, I remove the spice packet and blend the mixture until it’s smooth. I love using my food mill to strain out the seeds and skins—it makes the texture silky and rich. The real magic happens when the ketchup thickens over low heat, turning into that perfect consistency we all love.

A New Favorite in the Kitchen

Once it’s done, I store the ketchup in a glass jar and proudly place it in the fridge. It lasts for weeks, but to be honest, it never stays around that long. I use it on everything—fries, burgers, sandwiches, and sometimes even as a base for barbecue sauce. The flavor is so much more vibrant than anything I’ve bought from the store, and knowing that it’s made from fresh ingredients makes it even better. Making homemade ketchup has become a new tradition in my kitchen, and I can’t wait to share it with others.

Chef’s Notes-Homemade Tomato Ketchup

• Use a combination of Roma and heirloom cherry tomatoes for a deeper flavor. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned tomatoes are a great alternative without losing much flavor.
• The spice packet is key for the ketchup’s depth. Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes for desired heat, or add smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
• For a thicker ketchup, cook it down for longer. Remember, the ketchup will thicken slightly once it cools.
• If you want a completely smooth texture, using a blender after cooking will help, but make sure to pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove skins and seeds.
• Homemade ketchup has a fresher, more vibrant flavor than store-bought versions, but it won’t last as long. Make sure to refrigerate it and use it within 3 weeks.
• For a healthier alternative, try honey or maple syrup instead of light brown sugar, which will add a different layer of sweetness.
• Experiment with herbs like basil or oregano if you want to give your ketchup a more Mediterranean flair.

Homemade Tomato Ketchup

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Dive into the world of homemade condiments with this easy and flavorful tomato ketchup recipe! Using a mix of Roma and heirloom cherry tomatoes, this ketchup bursts with rich, deep flavors that store-bought versions can’t match. Perfect for pairing with your favorite fries or burgers, this recipe is a must-try for any home cook looking to elevate their condiment game.

Course: Side Dish, SnackCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Print

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

50

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

20

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• Spice Packet

• 4 whole cloves

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1/4 tsp celery seeds

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

• 1/4 tsp whole allspice

• Ketchup Base

• 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped

• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt

• 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar

• 5 tbsp packed light brown sugar

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

• 1 Anaheim pepper, deseeded and chopped

• 1 clove garlic, minced

Directions

• Prepare Spice Packet – Cut a square of cheesecloth large enough to hold the spices. Place cloves, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, celery seeds, red pepper flakes, and allspice in the center. Fold the cheesecloth over the spices and secure with kitchen twine.
• Cook Base Ingredients – In a medium stock pot, combine chopped tomatoes, kosher salt, white vinegar, light brown sugar, chopped yellow onion, chopped Anaheim pepper, minced garlic, and the prepared spice packet. Cook over medium heat until the tomatoes and peppers are soft and the onions are translucent and tender (about 30 minutes).
• Thicken Ketchup – Return the pot to medium-low heat and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the ketchup reaches your desired thickness.
• Store – Transfer the ketchup to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.

Equipment

• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• food mill
• medium stock pot
• cheesecloth
• kitchen twine

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 50kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 370mg
• Potassium: 300mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 9g
• Vitamin A: 15IU
• Vitamin C: 20mg
• Calcium: 2mg
• Iron: 4mg

FAQ- Homemade Tomato Ketchup

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, canned tomatoes are a great substitute for fresh ones if they’re out of season or unavailable. Just use the same quantity, and opt for high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.

How can I adjust the spice level?

To make it milder, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. If you like it spicier, try adding a chopped jalapeño or more red pepper flakes.

How do I get a smoother texture?

For an ultra-smooth ketchup, blend the mixture thoroughly after cooking and strain it using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any skins and seeds.

Can I make a sweeter ketchup?

Yes, you can increase the amount of sugar or substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

How long can I store homemade ketchup?

Homemade ketchup can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Make sure to use a clean spoon when serving to avoid contamination.