What You Will Need
- 6 pounds of ripe tomatoes
- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly. Remove the stems and cut them into quarters. If you prefer a smoother ketchup, you can remove the seeds as well. Place the tomatoes in a large pot.
Step 2: Chop the Onion and Garlic
Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic. Add them to the pot with the tomatoes.
Step 3: Cook the Mixture
Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes should become soft and start to break down.
Step 4: Strain the Mixture
Once the tomatoes have softened, use a blender or food processor to puree the mixture until smooth. Pour the pureed mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any seeds or chunks.
Step 5: Add the Seasonings
Return the strained mixture to the pot and add the vinegar, brown sugar, salt, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, and ground ginger. Stir well to combine.
Step 6: Simmer and Thicken
Place the pot back on the stove and simmer the mixture over low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The ketchup will gradually thicken as it cooks.
Step 7: Store and Enjoy
Once the ketchup has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Transfer it to clean jars or bottles and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Now you can enjoy your homemade ketchup on burgers, fries, or any other dish that calls for a delicious tomato kick!
As you can see, making homemade ketchup isn’t as daunting as it may seem. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a flavorful and healthier alternative to commercial ketchup. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds and your body will thank you!