Description
This homemade ketchup recipe combines crushed tomatoes with a blend of vinegar, sugar, and spices simmered to perfection to create a thick, flavorful condiment that’s free from preservatives and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Liquids
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed or petite diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup distilled white vinegar
Sweeteners and Seasonings
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, water, sugar, distilled white vinegar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper to a medium saucepan. Stir well to evenly mix all the ingredients.
- Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, ensuring all sugar dissolves and flavors start to meld.
- Simmer and Reduce: Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the ketchup cook uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and reduces by about half in volume.
- Puree for Smoothness: Remove the saucepan from heat. Use a stick blender or transfer the mixture to a food processor or high-speed blender and blend until smooth. If the ketchup is thinner than desired, return it to the heat and simmer a bit longer to reach your preferred thickness.
- Cool and Store: Allow the ketchup to cool completely. Transfer it to a clean container and refrigerate. The flavors will improve after resting overnight, and it can be kept refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- Adjust sugar and vinegar levels to taste for a sweeter or tangier ketchup.
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend less or skip blending altogether.
- Store in a sterilized jar to extend shelf life.
- This recipe is free from preservatives and additives commonly found in store-bought ketchup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: homemade ketchup, tomato ketchup, homemade condiment, easy ketchup recipe, natural ketchup
