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Wholesome Classic Homemade Ketchup

Course condiment
Cuisine American

Ingredients

  • 5 pounds paste tomatoes, washed, cored, and quartered
  • ½ cup onion, chopped
  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1½ to 1.8 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1½ to 1.8 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 to 2½ teaspoons Celtic or pickling/canning salt
  • ⅓ to 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon celery seed
  • ⅛ teaspoon mustard powder

Note: All ingredients can be adjusted to suit your specific taste.

Instructions

  • Wash, core, and quarter the tomatoes. Place them in a crockpot and cook on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. No need to add water, as the tomatoes will release their own juices as they cook.
  • Check the crockpot every hour and stir each time, until the tomatoes have released their juices. Then, add all the remaining ingredients.
  • Let the mixture cook for an additional 3 to 4 hours, checking the consistency and stirring periodically. The tomato juices should begin to evaporate, and the tomatoes should break down.
  • Once the juices are reduced and the tomatoes are fully cooked, transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Taste the blended mixture and adjust the spices or sweetener to your preference.
  • If the blended ketchup is too thin, transfer it to a pan on the stovetop and cook over low to medium heat until your favorite store-bought ketchup consistency is achieved. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
  • Once the ketchup reaches your desired consistency, it's ready to be bottled and used.

Notes

  1. Consistency Preference: Adjust the cooking time according to your desired ketchup consistency. Longer cooking times yield thicker ketchup.
  2. Storage: Store the homemade ketchup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  3. Flavor Customization: Experiment with additional spices or sweeteners for a personalized flavor profile.
  4. Tomato Varieties: Different tomato varieties can impart unique flavors to your ketchup; feel free to explore various options.
  5. Serving Suggestions: This homemade ketchup pairs perfectly with burgers, fries, sandwiches, and more.
  6. Salt Level: Be cautious with salt, as flavors can intensify during cooking; adjust to taste.
  7. Batch Size: Feel free to scale the recipe up or down based on your needs.
  8. Creative Uses: Get creative by using this ketchup as a base for BBQ sauce or other condiment variations.