Homemade Ketchup
It's ketchup that's homemade. Enough said. Inspired by a recipe I found on Instructables.
It's ketchup that's homemade. Enough said. Inspired by a recipe I found on Instructables.
- Carbohydrate 5.86491105652837 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0595812109416224 g
- Fiber 0.514706629593902 g
- Protein 0.529016015716963 g
- Saturated Fat 0.013239511719482 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (28g)
- Sodium 11.96878125065 mg
- Sugar 5.35020442693447 g
- Trans Fat 0.0165326171887442 g
- Calories 24 calories
Step-by-step
- Mix everything together and simmer over low heat for two hours until it becomes ketchup like.
Deep red, glossy, and clinging smoothly to the back of a spoon, thick tomato condiment possesses a characteristic body that balances pourability with structural integrity. Achieving this consistency relies entirely on moisture reduction rather than chemical thickeners. Two cans of tomato paste provide the primary solid base, while water and vinegar adjust the density. Low, steady heat applied over two hours drives off excess water vapor, concentrating the natural pectins and sugars until the mixture achieves a glossy sheen and a spreadable thickness.
Managing Moisture and Texture
Simmering the mixture slowly over low heat prevents scorching while allowing the starches and tomato solids to bond properly with the liquid. Boiling too aggressively causes splattering and creates uneven pockets of evaporation, resulting in a grainy mouthfeel instead of a velvety emulsion. Whisking occasionally ensures the molasses and brown sugar incorporate uniformly without settling at the base of the pan where direct heat can cause burning. Vinegar adds necessary acidity to balance the sweetness from the sugar and molasses, sharpening the overall profile.
- High heat causes burning; maintain a low, gentle bubble throughout the two-hour simmer.
- Insufficient reduction leaves the condiment watery and prone to separation on the plate.
- Inaccurate spice measurements, particularly allspice, overpower the primary tomato flavor profile quickly.
