Homemade Ketchup

Making your own ketchup at home is a simple way to enjoy a delicious, tangy condiment without the added preservatives and artificial flavors found in store-bought versions. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a rich, flavorful ketchup that pairs perfectly with everything from fries to burgers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade ketchup is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also customizable to your tastes. It has the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, and you can adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences. The addition of optional spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice gives it a unique depth that will elevate any meal. Plus, it’s a healthier option compared to store-bought varieties, as it’s free from additives and preservatives.

Ingredients

• 1 (6 oz / 170 g) can tomato paste

• ½ cup (120 ml) water

• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar

• ¼ cup (60 ml) white vinegar

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon allspice (optional)

• Pinch of ground cloves (optional)

• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the tomato paste, water, brown sugar, and vinegar until smooth.

2. Add seasonings: Stir in the salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and any optional spices like allspice, cloves, and cinnamon if you’re using them. Mix until well blended.

3. Simmer gently: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring the mixture to a low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes. The ketchup should thicken slightly and darken in color.

4. Taste and adjust: Taste the ketchup and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more sugar; if you want more tang, add extra vinegar. Adjust the salt as needed.

5. Cool and store: Let the ketchup cool completely. Transfer it to a clean jar or squeeze bottle. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Yield: ~1 cup

• Servings: ~16 tablespoons

• Approximate Calories: ~20 kcal per tablespoon

Storage/Reheating

Once cooled, store the homemade ketchup in an airtight container or squeeze bottle in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 weeks. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or heat gently on the stovetop if you prefer it warm.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ketchup without the optional spices?

Yes, you can absolutely make the ketchup without allspice, cloves, and cinnamon. The ketchup will still be delicious, and you can customize the flavor to your liking.

2. Is it necessary to use brown sugar, or can I substitute it?

While brown sugar adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with white sugar or even maple syrup for a different taste. However, the consistency may vary slightly with different sweeteners.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?

Tomato paste provides a concentrated flavor that’s perfect for ketchup, but you can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. You’ll need to cook them down and reduce the liquid to get a similar consistency to tomato paste.

4. How do I know when the ketchup is done cooking?

The ketchup should thicken slightly and darken in color after simmering for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally and check the consistency to ensure it’s the thickness you desire.

5. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, you can add some chili powder or hot sauce to the ketchup if you like it spicy. Adjust the heat level to your preference.

6. Is this ketchup gluten-free?

Yes, this homemade ketchup recipe is naturally gluten-free, as none of the ingredients contain gluten.

7. Can I store this ketchup for longer than 3 weeks?

For the best flavor and quality, it’s recommended to use the ketchup within 3 weeks. Storing it longer may result in a loss of freshness.

8. Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! You can double or even triple the recipe if you want to make a larger batch. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, and always check the consistency.

9. Can I freeze homemade ketchup?

Yes, you can freeze homemade ketchup. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it should keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before using.

10. What can I serve this ketchup with?

This homemade ketchup is great with a variety of foods, including fries, burgers, chicken nuggets, and even as a dip for roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

This homemade ketchup recipe is a simple and tasty way to enjoy a classic condiment made from scratch. With just a few ingredients, you can create a rich, flavorful ketchup that’s free from artificial additives and preservatives. Perfect for burgers, fries, and beyond, this ketchup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!