Have you ever thought about making your own homemade ketchup?
Making your own ketchup isn’t something that requires days of effort in the kitchen. It’s so simple that you wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

What I really like about making ketchup myself is, that I can control how much sugar I want in it. A ketchup needs a hint of sweetness but not too much. However it needs to be at once savory and sweet.

Umami, the exclusive fifth flavor

Cooked tomatoes are known for being rich in umami, the exlusive fifth flavor that can be a chef’s best friend. That is probably also why a burger tastes even better with ketchup.

Americans purchase 10 billion ounces of ketchup annually, which is about three bottles per person per year.

You might think, if you can buy something that delicious off the shelf, why on Earth would you attempt to make it?

Simply because it tastes better

In our house, both my hubby and kids has found the homemade ketchup as their new favorite over their otherwise beloved Heinz!

Try and make homemade ketchup yourself and see if you can convince your family that homemade ketchup is pure homemade happiness!

Homemade ketchup

My recipe for homemade ketchup is a little bit darker than the branded ones, because I use brown sugar. You can use regular sugar if you prefer that.

How to make homemade ketchup

First you wash and cut the tomatoes, apples, onions and garlic in small pieces and add them into a saucepan.

Now you simply just add the rest of the ingredients except the sugar.

Then boil it all thoroughly (stir frequently!) until the apples are tender.

Now you add the dark brown sugar and taste to see if you need to add more vinegar, sugar or salt.

Cook for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves.

Finally you blend the ketchup by using a hand blender and strain the mass through a sieve until just an approx. 2-3 tbsp thick pulp mass is left back.

If you feel that the ketchup is too thin, you may thicken it slightly with 1 teaspoon corn starch mixed with 2 teaspoons of cold water, and then give it a quick boil.

Now, pour the mixture into a scalded Jar and place it in the refrigerator.

Enjoy cold – with everything!

Are you convinced now??

I hope so! :o)