Homemade Tomato Ketchup Recipe
Description:
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade ketchup smothered on a sizzling grilled burger, especially as the gardening season begins to bloom. This recipe is not only a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire but also a breeze to whip up.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar 🍅
- 1 1/2 cinnamon sticks 🍅
- 1 1/2 whole cloves 🍅
- 1 teaspoon celery seed 🍅
- 8 large tomatoes, washed, cored, and quartered 🍅
- 1 onion, chopped 🍅
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 🍅
- 1 cup sugar 🍅
- 1/4 cup salt 🍅
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 770.5
- Fat Content: 4.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 393.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 179.1g
- Fiber Content: 23.1g
- Sugar Content: 150.6g
- Protein Content: 16.8g
Recipe Yield:
2 Pints
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vinegar Mixture:
- In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and celery seed.
- Cover and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Remove from heat and let it stand, allowing the flavors to meld.
-
Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly, then core and quarter them.
- Drain the quartered tomatoes in a colander, discarding the excess liquid.
-
Cook the Tomato Mixture:
- In a large pot, combine the drained tomatoes, chopped onion, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pass the cooked mixture through a food mill to remove any seeds and skins.
-
Sweeten and Simmer:
- Return the strained tomato juice to the pot.
- Add the sugar to the tomato juice and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the volume reduces by half. You can measure the reduction with a ruler, tracking the depth from start to finish.
- Strain the previously prepared vinegar mixture into the tomatoes, discarding the spices.
- Season with salt and continue to simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until the ketchup reaches your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
Water Bath Canning:
- If you plan to can your ketchup for future use, follow these additional steps:
- Prepare the ketchup as described above.
- Pour the hot ketchup into hot, clean pint jars, leaving a 1/2 inch headspace.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean to ensure a proper seal.
- Adjust the lids securely.
- Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, starting the timer once the water reaches a boil.
- If you plan to can your ketchup for future use, follow these additional steps:
With these simple steps, you’ll have a batch of flavorful homemade tomato ketchup that’s perfect for slathering on burgers, fries, or anything else that needs a delicious tangy kick! Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or preserving it for future enjoyment, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your condiments, and savor the fresh taste of homemade goodness.