Ingredients
- 1 kg ripe tomatoes
- 150g onions, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 200ml white vinegar
- 100g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
Per serving
Calories: 100 kcal
Proteins: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Method
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Wash the ripe tomatoes and cut them into quarters. Remove the stems and any hard cores.
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In a large pot, add the chopped tomatoes, onions, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the tomatoes become soft and release their juices.
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Reduce the heat and let the tomato mixture simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
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Once the mixture has thickened, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
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Pass the tomato mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any seeds and skins. You can use a spoon to press the mixture through the strainer.
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Return the strained tomato puree to the pot and add white vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, ground black pepper, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground allspice.
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Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Simmer the mixture over low heat for another 45 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
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Taste the ketchup and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. If you want it sweeter, you can add a bit more sugar, or if you want it tangier, add a little more vinegar.
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Once the ketchup reaches the desired consistency and taste, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.
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Transfer the homemade ketchup to sterilized glass bottles or jars. Store the bottles in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Ketchup is a versatile condiment that can be served with a wide range of dishes. It is most commonly used as a dipping sauce for French fries, burgers, hot dogs, and chicken nuggets. It can also be used as a base for various barbecue sauces or as a flavor enhancer in meatloaf, meatballs, and stews.
Ketchup is a classic and well-loved tomato-based sauce that adds a delightful combination of sweetness, tanginess, and spice to a variety of dishes. It is a staple condiment in many households and is a must-have accompaniment to numerous fast-food favorites.
Facts about the sauce:
- Ketchup’s origins can be traced back to ancient China, where it was originally a pickled fish sauce known as “ke-tchup” or “kôe-chiap.”
- The modern version of ketchup as we know it today evolved in the United States in the late 19th century when tomatoes became the primary ingredient.
- Ketchup is a good source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that is beneficial for heart health and may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
- While tomatoes are the main ingredient in ketchup, the addition of spices and vinegar gives it its characteristic flavor profile.
- In the United States, National Ketchup Day is celebrated on June 5th each year to honor this beloved condiment.