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Cook time
5 minutes
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makes
1 cup
Author Notes
Making Ketchup
I confess I don’t make ketchup all that often, as the store-bought kind is inexpensive, plentiful, and generally of good quality. That said, when I do make it, I’m always reminded that it is actually very easy to make—it doesn’t even need to be cooked—and it tastes less sweet while also having more depth of spice flavor than what you can find on supermarket shelves.
Tools: No special equipment needed.
Storage: Homemade ketchup should last for about a week in the fridge.
Homemade Ketchup
I find tomato paste gives ketchup the most pungent base flavor, sweet with herbaceous depth. When using paste, there is no need for additional sugar, as tomato paste itself is so reduced it almost tastes caramelized (another benefit to making your own, as most store-bought ketchups are packed with unexpected amounts of sugar).
The Ketchup Variations
For the best results, start with a base of homemade ketchup. I find the texture is nicer and the flavor profile more rounded when I build on the more neutral canvas of a homemade ketchup than a store-bought one.
—Claire Dinhut (Condiment Claire)
—Food52
Test Kitchen Notes
Recipe from “The Condiment Book: A Brilliantly Flavourful Guide to Food's Unsung Heroes” © 2024 by Claire Dinhut
—The Editors
Ingredients
- Homemade Ketchup
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1
(6-ounce) can tomato paste
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1/4 cup
apple cider vinegar
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1/2 teaspoon
onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon
mashed garlic
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1/8 teaspoon
ground cumin
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Pinch salt and pepper
- Bloody Mary Ketchup
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Juice of ½ lemon
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1 1/2 teaspoons
Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon
horseradish
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1/2 teaspoon
hot sauce of your choice (ideally red to keep the color bright!)
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1/4 teaspoon
celery salt
Directions
- Homemade Ketchup
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Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and mix until the garlic is well incorporated. Transfer to a jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator.
- Bloody Mary Ketchup
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For the best results, start with a base of homemade ketchup. To 1 cup ketchup, add rest of the ingredients in a small bowl and mix until well incorporated. Transfer to a jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator.
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Pairing ideas: breakfast burritos, tacos, or quesadillas; omelets; hash browns; tater tots...
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