Homemade Ketchup Recipe (+ Spicy Ketchup!)

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 jalapeno pepper (chopped (optional for a spicy ketchup - or use a hotter pepper for a spicier ketchup!))
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 28- oz can tomato diced tomatoes (with juices, or use equivalent fresh chopped tomatoes)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or use cayenne pepper, or both!)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste (I use about 1/2 teaspoon)

Steps

1. 1

   First, heat the oil in a medium sized pot and add the onion and peppers (if using). Cook them down about 5 minutes to soften them up.

2. 2

   Add the garlic and cook for a minute, stirring a bit, until you can smell that gorgeous garlic.

3. 3

   Add the diced tomatoes, brown sugar, cider vinegar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, ground mustard, cloves, allspice, black pepper and salt to taste. Give it a nice stir.

4. 4

   Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes (or up to 1 hour/60 minutes) to let the flavors meld and develop.

5. 5

   Puree the mixture with a stick blender, or transfer it to a blender or food processor and process it in batches until nice and smooth.

6. 6

   Strain the ketchup through a fine mesh sieve to give it a nice, smooth texture. Discard the remaining solids.

7. 7

   Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator and use as needed.