Have you ever dreamed of tasting a ketchup with an authentic flavor, made with love and high-quality ingredients? Forget the bland, preservative-filled store-bought versions! Today, I’m excited to share with you a homemade ketchup recipe that’s simple, quick, and bursting with flavor. Get ready to rediscover the joy of dipping your fries into a rich, aromatic tomato sauce made right in your kitchen!

Watch the full recipe on YouTube:

The Essential Ingredients for Perfect Homemade Ketchup

To whip up this tasty homemade ketchup, here are the ingredients you’ll need. Don’t worry – you probably already have most of them in your pantry!

150 ml tomato paste
70 ml white vinegar
90 ml water
2 pinches garlic powder (about 5g)
2 pinches onion powder (about 5g)
70 ml maple syrup (or honey)

Important Note: You can substitute the garlic powder with fresh garlic if you prefer. In that case, use 1 small clove of garlic, finely minced.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Homemade Ketchup

Now for the fun part – let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to prepare your very own homemade ketchup in under 30 minutes.

In a saucepan, combine the tomato paste, white vinegar, water, garlic powder, onion powder, and maple syrup (or honey).
Using a whisk, stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the ketchup simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After 20 minutes, check the consistency – it should have thickened and coat the back of a spoon.
Let it cool completely before serving or storing.

Ingredient Substitutions: Make It Your Own

Missing an ingredient or want to add a personal twist? No problem! Here are a few simple substitutions and ideas to customize your ketchup:

Maple syrup: Swap it out for 70 ml honey, 70 ml corn syrup, or 2 tablespoons brown sugar. The taste will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.
White vinegar: You can use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a fruitier, more complex flavor.
Garlic and onion powder: Prefer fresh ingredients? Use 1 small clove of garlic, finely chopped and 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion. Sauté them briefly before adding to the sauce.
Spices: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or ground cumin for an extra layer of flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own!

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Homemade Ketchup

Even though the recipe is simple, here are a few helpful tips to ensure your ketchup turns out perfectly every time:

1. Be patient

Simmering the ketchup slowly over low heat gives the flavors time to develop and helps the sauce reach the right consistency. Don’t rush this step!

2. Taste and adjust

Everyone’s taste buds are different – taste your ketchup while it simmers and adjust the sweetness or acidity as needed. Add a bit more maple syrup for a sweeter version, or a splash more vinegar for extra tang.

3. Smooth texture? Use a blender

If you prefer a super smooth ketchup, once it has cooled down, blend it using an immersion blender or a regular blender.

4. Storing your ketchup

Keep your homemade ketchup in a clean, airtight jar in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about two weeks. Want to keep it longer? Read on for canning tips.

5. Sterilize for long-term storage

To enjoy your ketchup for months, you can preserve it by canning. Pour the hot ketchup into sterilized jars, seal tightly, and follow proper water bath canning procedures. This is a great way to always have a jar ready for burgers, fries, and more!

Recipes You Might Enjoy

To expand your culinary repertoire, consider these delightful options:

Homemade Eggs Benedict – Quick and Easy Brunch Recipe Ready in 15 Minutes
A classic brunch dish featuring rich Hollandaise sauce.
Homemade Pesto – Authentic and Easy Italian Recipe
A versatile sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, and more.
Creamy Mushroom Sauce Steak – Easy and Delicious Recipe
A hearty main course complemented by a rich mushroom sauce.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Homemade Ketchup

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?

Yes! You can absolutely make ketchup from fresh tomatoes, though it does take more time. You’ll need to peel and seed the tomatoes, then cook them down into a thick puree before following the rest of the recipe.

Is homemade ketchup healthier than store-bought?

Generally, yes. Homemade ketchup doesn’t contain preservatives, artificial flavors, or excessive amounts of sugar. Plus, you control exactly what goes into it.

What if my ketchup is too runny?

If it’s still thin after 20 minutes of simmering, cook it a bit longer until it thickens. You can also mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water, then stir that into the sauce and simmer for a few more minutes.

Can I make it sugar-free?

Definitely. Just skip the maple syrup or honey. The ketchup will be more tart, but still flavorful. You can also use natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol to keep it sugar-free.

How can I make a spicy version?

Add a pinch of chili flakes, hot sauce, or smoked paprika while simmering. Adjust the heat level to your taste!

Why Make Ketchup at Home?

Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why homemade ketchup is such a game changer. It’s fresher, more flavorful, and so easy to personalize. Whether you’re serving it with crispy fries, burgers, hot dogs, or even as a dip for roasted veggies, this ketchup will take your meals to the next level.

Cooking from scratch doesn’t always have to be complicated – and with this ketchup recipe, you’ll impress your friends and family without breaking a sweat. Once you try it, you may never go back to the store-bought version again!

Ready to impress your guests with homemade ketchup that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen? Let’s get cooking!

Homemade Ketchup: The Easy and Delicious Recipe to Wow Your Taste Buds!

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Prep Time 5

Cooking Time 25

Category Sauce

Portions 2 people

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

150 ml tomato paste
70 ml white vinegar
90 ml water
2 pinches garlic powder about 5g
2 pinches onion powder about 5g
70 ml maple syrup or honey

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and whisk until smooth.
Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Check thickness. Let cool completely.
Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Video

Notes