Homemade Ketchup Recipe

There’s something so satisfying about making your own ketchup from scratch. It’s sweet, tangy, and has a depth of flavor that store-bought versions just can’t match. This homemade ketchup recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also customizable—so you can tweak it to your taste. Whether you’re using it for burgers, fries, or dipping nuggets, trust me, this ketchup will be your new go-to condiment. It’s easy to make, and you’ll love knowing exactly what’s going into it!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Ketchup

Homemade ketchup isn’t just a healthy alternative—it’s also bursting with flavor and creativity. Here’s why you’ll want to give this recipe a try:

• Pure & Natural Ingredients: No weird preservatives or artificial sweeteners here—just fresh, simple ingredients you can feel good about.
• Adjustable Flavor: You can play with the sweetness, tanginess, and spice level to create a ketchup that’s perfectly suited to your taste buds.
• Great for Meal Prep: Making a batch of ketchup means you’ve got a flavorful condiment ready for all kinds of meals. It stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for sandwiches, burgers, and even roasted veggies.
• No More Store-Bought Ketchup: Once you try this homemade version, you’ll never want to go back to the bottled stuff again. The flavor is fresher, and the taste is richer!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make your own ketchup:

• Tomato Paste: The base of your ketchup, giving it that thick, rich consistency and tomato flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds the perfect tanginess and balances out the sweetness.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Sweetens the ketchup naturally. You can adjust this depending on how sweet you want your ketchup.
• Onion Powder: A savory touch that adds complexity and depth of flavor.
• Garlic Powder: For that little bit of kick and aromatic flavor.
• Ground Mustard: A hint of mustard gives your ketchup a subtle zing and adds to the flavor profile.
• Paprika: Adds warmth and a touch of smokiness to the ketchup.
• Salt: Balances all the flavors and brings the ketchup together.
• Water: To adjust the consistency to your liking.

(Note: The full list of ingredients, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make your homemade ketchup:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, paprika, and salt. Add water to the mix to reach your desired ketchup consistency. You can start with 1/4 cup of water and add more as needed.
2. Simmer the Ketchup: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally to make sure everything is well combined. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens and the flavors meld together. Taste it along the way, adjusting the sweetness or salt as you like.
3. Blend for Smoothness (Optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the ketchup with an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender. Just pulse a few times to get it nice and smooth.
4. Cool and Store: Once the ketchup is thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Let it cool down to room temperature. Transfer it to a clean glass jar or bottle and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 1 tablespoon
Calories per serving: 15
Total Carbs: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Net Carbs: 3g
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Homemade Ketchup

This homemade ketchup is the perfect addition to just about any meal! Here’s how you can use it:

• Burgers and Fries: Classic, of course! Slather it on your burger or dip your crispy fries for the ultimate indulgence.
• Grilled Meats: Use it as a sauce for grilled chicken, steak, or even grilled veggies.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Add a little ketchup to your sandwiches or wraps for extra flavor.
• Roasted Veggies: Drizzle it over roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini, or cauliflower for a fun twist on veggies.
• Meatloaf: Top your homemade meatloaf with a generous amount of ketchup for a tangy and sweet glaze.

Additional Tips

• Spicy Ketchup: Want a kick? Add some cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
• Vegan Option: If you’re vegan, substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for a plant-based sweetener.
• Smoky Flavor: For an extra smoky ketchup, try adding smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• Storage: Keep your homemade ketchup in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last up to two weeks.

FAQ Section

Q1: How do I store homemade ketchup?
A1: Store your homemade ketchup in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Be sure to let it cool before storing.

Q2: Can I make this ketchup spicier?
A2: Yes! Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even a splash of hot sauce for some heat. Adjust to your spice tolerance.

Q3: Can I use a different sweetener besides honey or maple syrup?
A3: Absolutely! You can use other sweeteners like coconut sugar or stevia. Just be mindful that it may alter the flavor slightly.

Q4: Can I make this ketchup without vinegar?
A4: Vinegar provides the tanginess that’s essential to ketchup’s flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use less vinegar or substitute with lemon juice, but it will change the flavor profile a bit.

Q5: How can I adjust the consistency of the ketchup?
A5: If the ketchup is too thick, add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken up.

Q6: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
A6: While you can use fresh tomatoes, you’ll need to cook them down to reduce their moisture and create a thick paste-like consistency. Tomato paste is the easiest and quickest option for this recipe.

Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A7: Yes! This homemade ketchup is naturally gluten-free as it uses simple ingredients like tomato paste, vinegar, and spices.

Q8: How long does this ketchup last?
A8: Homemade ketchup can last in the fridge for up to two weeks. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Q9: Can I freeze homemade ketchup?
A9: Yes, you can freeze it! Store it in a freezer-safe container or ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before using.

Q10: Can I use this ketchup as a barbecue sauce?
A10: Yes! You can use this ketchup as a base for a barbecue sauce by adding some extra ingredients like brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce for a deeper, smokier flavor.

Conclusion

Homemade ketchup is a total game-changer! With its rich, tangy flavor, you’ll never look at store-bought ketchup the same way again. It’s simple, customizable, and a perfect way to elevate your meals. Whether you’re making burgers, dipping fries, or drizzling it on veggies, this ketchup will add a fresh burst of flavor to everything. So why not give it a try? You’ll be hooked on the homemade version!

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