Tomato Catsup Recipe ๐
Prepare to embark on a delightful journey of flavors with this homemade Tomato Catsup recipe from lovewithrecipes.com! Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or simply craving a taste of homemade goodness, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your meals to new heights.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 6 pints
Ingredients:
- 12 1/2 tomatoes
- 2 onions
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 whole cloves
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Start by washing and slicing the tomatoes. Place them in a large pot and bring them to a boil. Allow them to simmer until they are soft and tender.
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Cook the Onions:
- While the tomatoes are cooking, slice the onions and place them in another kettle. Cover them with a small quantity of water and cook until they become tender.
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Blend Tomatoes and Onions:
- Once both the tomatoes and onions are cooked, run them through a sieve to create a smooth pulp. Mix the onion and tomato pulp together in a large pot.
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Add Seasonings:
- Stir in the cayenne pepper to add a hint of spice to the mixture.
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Reduce the Mixture:
- Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, allowing it to reduce to about half of its original volume. This process helps concentrate the flavors for a richer taste.
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Prepare the Spice Bag:
- In an enamel pan, combine the cider vinegar and spices – cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and garlic – in a spice bag. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 30 minutes, infusing the vinegar with aromatic flavors.
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Combine the Mixtures:
- After 30 minutes, bring the vinegar and spice mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pan and remove it from the heat. Let it stand in the covered pan until you’re ready to use it.
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Combine the Tomato and Vinegar Mixtures:
- Once the tomato mixture has reduced to half its original volume, add 1 and 1/4 cups of the vinegar and spice mixture to it.
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Season and Thicken:
- Stir in the paprika, sugar, and salt, allowing the mixture to boil rapidly until it thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 10 minutes, during which the flavors meld beautifully.
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Sterilize Jars:
- While the mixture is boiling, prepare your sterilized jars. Ensure they are clean and dry, ready to be filled with the delicious catsup.
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Fill the Jars:
- Pour the boiling catsup into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of space from the top to allow for expansion.
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Seal and Process:
- Securely place the caps on the jars and screw the bands tightly. Process the jars in a Boiling Water Bath for 5 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
Once the jars have been processed, allow them to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place. This homemade Tomato Catsup is not only bursting with flavor but also free of preservatives, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought varieties. Serve it alongside your favorite dishes, from burgers and fries to meatloaf and sandwiches, and let its rich, tangy goodness elevate every bite! Enjoy the fruits of your labor and share the love with friends and family. Happy cooking! ๐ ๐
