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How to Make Ketchup

It's probably never occurred to most people to make their own ketchup, but by doing so you can achieve a distinct and unique flavor. See Tips for ideas on customizing this recipe. Makes between 2 and 4 c., depending on tomatoes and cooking times.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions.Things You'll Need:
•5 lbs. very ripe tomatoes
•1/2 c. white vinegar
•1 tbsp. salt
•1/4 c. sugar
•2 cloves garlic
•1/2 c. onion
•1 tbsp. black peppercorns
•1/4 tsp. ground allspice
•1/4 tsp. cinnamon
•1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
•1/2 tsp. ground ginger
•1/2 tsp. garlic powder
•6 cloves
•Groceries
•Food Processors
•Saucepans
•Strainers
•Saucepans
•Strainers

1.Stem and roughly chop the tomatoes and place them in a nonreactive pan.

2.Add half the vinegar and a few pinches of the salt and bring the mixture to a boil.

3.Cook for 5 minutes, mashing with a wooden spoon.

4.Strain the liquid into a saucepan without pressing on the solids.

5.Press the solids into another saucepan by forcing them through the strainer, leaving the seeds and skins behind. Rinse the strainer. You can puree the tomatoes before straining, if necessary, but they should be soft enough to press through the strainer screen.

6.Stir the sugar into the solids.

7.Add all the remaining ingredients to the liquid.

8.Bring the liquid to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, until very syrupy.

9.Strain into the solids, and bring to a simmer, stirring well. Simmer for 5 more minutes or until the desired consistency is reached. Puree with a hand blender, food processor or blender if necessary.

10.Taste and adjust the seasonings. The mixture should be sweet and faintly tangy; if more tanginess is needed, sprinkle in some vinegar.


Watch the mixture carefully as it cooks, because the sugar will scorch and burn if it reduces too much.

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