Irresistible Homemade Ketchup Recipe for Summer BBQs

Ketchup. Just saying it brings back memories of summer barbecues where every grilled hot dog and burger was slathered with the red, tangy goodness. The way it glides smoothly from the bottle onto a plate can make anyone’s mouth water in anticipation.

As a kid, I remember standing by the grill, watching my dad expertly flip burgers while I made a mess with ketchup on my fries. That delightful squeeze of tangy sweetness became a staple in my culinary adventures, whether it was on meatloaf or mixed into a secret sauce. It’s not just a condiment; it’s a flavor companion that elevates everything from fries to fancy dishes.

I still remember the first time I made my own ketchup for a family gathering; everyone raved about how much better it tasted than the bottled stuff!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor; heirloom varieties work wonderfully.

• Onion: A finely chopped onion adds depth; sweet onions provide an excellent balance.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring irresistible aroma; don’t skimp here!

• Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar offers a subtle sweetness that enhances flavor without overpowering.

• Brown Sugar: Adjust sweetness with brown sugar; it adds richness compared to white sugar.

• Spices: Ground allspice and cinnamon add warmth; feel free to experiment with your favorites!

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing flavors; always taste as you go!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. Chop the tomatoes, onion, and garlic until they are ready for cooking.

Cook Down the Base: In a large saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté onions until golden brown and fragrant. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Add Tomatoes and Garlic: Toss in your chopped tomatoes along with minced garlic into the pan. Cook until everything becomes soft and juicy—about 10 minutes should do.

Blend Until Smooth: Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring everything to a blender. Blend until smooth for that perfect ketchup consistency.

Simmer with Seasonings: Return the blended mixture to the saucepan over low heat. Stir in vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper, allspice, and cinnamon—let simmer for about 20 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Cool and Store: Once thickened to your desired consistency, remove from heat and let cool completely. Pour into jars or bottles for easy storage in the fridge.

Now you’re ready to enjoy this delicious homemade ketchup! It pairs perfectly with fries or as a zesty addition to any meal.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by simmering onions and garlic until fragrant. Then add tomatoes and spices, letting them mingle for 30 minutes. This sequence ensures a rich flavor in your homemade ketchup.

Add Your Touch

Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or chipotle for a smoky twist. You can also add brown sugar for extra sweetness or even a splash of vinegar for zing!

Storing & Reheating

Store your ketchup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three weeks. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove without boiling.

I remember the first time I made homemade ketchup; my friends were amazed at how much better it tasted than store-bought. The smiles on their faces made the effort worthwhile!

FAQ

Can I make ketchup without tomatoes?

Yes, you can use other fruits like peaches or apples for unique flavors.

How long does homemade ketchup last?

Homemade ketchup stays fresh in the fridge for about three weeks when stored properly.

Can I use ketchup in recipes other than burgers?

Absolutely! Ketchup adds flavor to marinades, dressings, and even meatloaf—get creative!

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Homemade Ketchup

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Ketchup is more than just a condiment; it’s a flavorful companion that enhances your meals. This homemade ketchup recipe is simple to make and packed with fresh ingredients, delivering a rich and tangy taste that outshines store-bought versions. Perfect for summer barbecues or everyday dishes, this recipe allows you to customize sweetness and spice levels to suit your palate. Get ready to elevate your culinary creations with this delicious homemade ketchup!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Sauce Making
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and chop the tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
2. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onions until golden (5-7 minutes).
3. Add chopped tomatoes and minced garlic; cook until soft (about 10 minutes).
4. Remove from heat, cool slightly, then blend until smooth.
5. Return mixture to the saucepan over low heat. Stir in vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper, allspice, and cinnamon; simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Cool completely before transferring to jars or bottles for storage in the fridge.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 15g
• Calories: 20
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg