Description

This easy Homemade Ketchup recipe offers a fresh, tangy, and sweet flavor made from simple, wholesome ingredients. Perfectly balanced and preservative-free, it’s a healthier and customizable alternative to store-bought ketchup. Ideal for dipping, topping, and adding a vibrant zing to your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water (plus more to adjust consistency)

Optional Variations

Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (for spicy kick)
Honey or maple syrup (as low-sugar substitutes for brown sugar)
Fresh basil or thyme (for herbal infusion)
Liquid smoke or chipotle powder (for smoky flavor)
Roasted red bell peppers or balsamic vinegar (for a fruit twist)

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash fresh tomatoes thoroughly and chop them roughly. Measure out spices and sugar to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Cook Tomatoes and Spices: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, salt, and water. Stir frequently and cook for 20-30 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens.
Blend Until Smooth: Transfer the cooked mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender in the pot. Puree until silky smooth without any chunks. Adjust thickness with additional water if needed.
Final Simmer: Pour the blended ketchup back into the saucepan. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes to deepen flavors and reach desired consistency.
Cool and Store: Let the homemade ketchup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate and consume within two weeks for optimal freshness.

Notes

Use ripe tomatoes for sweeter and richer ketchup.
Simmer longer for thicker ketchup or add water to thin as needed.
Use a high-powered blender or strain for extra smooth texture.
Taste regularly and adjust sweetness, acidity, and salt to your preference.
Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 30
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: homemade ketchup, ketchup recipe, fresh ketchup, easy ketchup, vegan ketchup, gluten free ketchup