Ketchup is a necessary component to a successful (and tasty!) kitchen. This past week, I was going through my food storage and found cans and cans of tomato paste from when I stocked up in 2020. I don’t use it often, so I figured why not make some homemade ketchup with it?
I use ketchup a lot! Ketchup is the culinary staple that brings everything from burgers to hash browns to life!
If you’ve ever wondered how to make your own ketchup at home, here is the exact homemade ketchup recipe I used in my homestead dinner vlog. Not only is homemade ketchup incredibly easy to make, but it also allows you to customize flavors and avoid preservatives.
Why Make Homemade Ketchup?
You might be asking yourself, "Why should I bother making ketchup when I can just grab a bottle from the store?" I got this question when I shared a reel of my homemade ketchup on Instagram. I totally understand as convenience is sometimes the only option, and there are better condiment options lining the shelves nowadays.
Benefits of Homemade Ketchup
- Freshness: Homemade ketchup is fresher and bursting with flavor compared to its store-bought counterparts, especially if you are using fresh tomatoes. Even if you are using cans of tomato paste, you can still throw in fresh ingredients like garlic and onions or tasty spices!
- Control over Ingredients: You get to decide what goes into your ketchup, eliminating ultra-processed ingredients and chemically-sprayed tomatoes. All of our food is incredibly processed, so it is beneficial to have control over what goes into your body.
- Customization: Want it spicier or sweeter? You can easily adjust the recipe to match your taste buds. I prefer to have a spicier, toned-down ketchup with only a hint of sweetness, so that is exactly what I make and customize it to be. You can even make your ketchup spicy!
Common Store-Bought Ketchup Issues
Ever read the ingredient label on a bottle of ketchup?
You have to wonder what some of those ingredients are doing there. High fructose corn syrup, which is linked to obesity and liver disease, is a common ingredient. Natural flavors (which aren’t natural at all) also make the ingredient list.
Artificial colors and other preservatives often line the ingredient list. We don’t need to be consuming this junk! These ingredients can lead to health issues if consumed regularly. When you make your own homemade ketchup, you get to control the quality of your ketchup.
Ingredients for Homemade Ketchup
Here is what you need to craft the perfect homemade ketchup tuned into your taste buds:
Fresh Tomatoes vs. Tomato Paste
You can use either fresh tomatoes or tomato paste. If you have tomato paste cans lying around your food storage like I did, this may be the perfect opportunity to use them up. Fresh tomatoes give a bright flavor, while tomato paste creates a thick consistency right off the bat. If you’re short on time, tomato paste might be your best bet because you get to skip the processing work! Here’s a breakdown of your options:
- Fresh Tomatoes: For a more vibrant and fresh-tasting ketchup, use ripe Roma or paste tomatoes. They have fewer seeds and thicker flesh, making them ideal for sauces.
- Tomato Paste: If you want a quick and easy route, tomato paste will work wonders and save you the hassle of cooking down and processing fresh tomatoes.
Essential Spices and Seasonings
In order to bring the zing and flavor to ketchup, consider these ingredients:
- Vinegar: White vinegar works well, but apple cider vinegar can add a lovely depth if you don’t have white vinegar on hand. Make sure your vinegar is 5% and food-safe.
- Brown Sugar: This balances the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar. You can adjust this to taste, depending on how sweet you like your ketchup. If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use granulated sugar and molasses. For every 1 cup sugar, use 1 tablespoon of molasses.
- Onion and Garlic: Sautéing these will bring out their natural sweetness. You can also just substitute with onion and garlic powder for convenience. The powders allow you to customize the flavor a bit more.
- Spices: salt, black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and cayenne. Each spice adds its own twist and depth to the ketchup.
Can you can ketchup?
You absolutely can! I canned up 8 pints of ketchup for my food storage. I was just about out of the bottle ketchup I purchase from Azure Standard , so I thought why not make and can my own? I have all of the ingredients on hand and I was really needing to move through my canned store bought items.
If you want to learn how to can food at home safely in your kitchen, check out my canning course! I will walk you through the science of canning and take you through the processes of the different canners. Then you can can up your own homemade ketchups!
Let’s get making some homemade ketchup!
Note: This recipe will make 8 pints of ketchup or 4 quarts. Adjust if needed.
Homemade Canned Ketchup
Ingredients
- 12 cups tomato paste
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 4 tbsp onion powder
- 4 tbsp garlic powder
- 4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground clove
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the tomato paste and water in a large stock pot over medium heat. Whisk until smooth.
- Add in the rest of the ingredients, stir to combine, and bring to a simmer for 30-40 minutes.
- Taste the ketchup and adjust flavor to liking. If too thick, add in more water.
- If you are canning, prepare your canner, add the ketchup into prepared jars, and process for 15 minutes in a boiling water bath.
- Enjoy!
FAQs
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes can work well! Just make sure to drain them before using.
2. How long does homemade ketchup last?
When canned properly, it can last for up to a year. Once opened, keep it in the fridge for about 4-6 weeks. Dispose if any mold growth or unusual smells.
3. Is it necessary to use vinegar?
Yes, vinegar is crucial for flavor and preservation. It adds that desirable tanginess into the ketchup.
4. Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Add in cayenne or your favorite hot sauce. You can also experiment with different types of chili powders or sauces for a unique kick and to make your own signature spicy ketchup.
5. What if my ketchup is too thick?
If it's too thick, simply stir in a bit of water until you reach your desired consistency. You can also blend in a little more vinegar for flavor while thinning it out.
