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It’s a question you’ve probably heard time and time again: ketchup or mustard? Well, if you are making your own ketchup from scratch, and without preservatives, the answer is simple.

Red is best, no doubt about it. Nothing beats the tangy delicious flavor of a ripe tomato paired with the perfect blend of sweet and spice.

The best part? The recipe for the condiment is quick and easy, so no waiting around to top your juiciest hamburger or freshest batch of perfectly-salted french fries.

How to Make Ketchup - Step 6 - inthekitch.net

Who Invented Ketchup?

While ketchup was originally made without tomatoes (instead using oysters, mushrooms, peaches, etc.) and appeared in British cookbooks in the 18th century, the tomato ketchup version only started to appear in 19th century cookbooks and included anchovies. If you want to go way back, the precursor to ketchup was actually a Chinese fermented fish sauce in 300 B.C. They called it “ge-thcup” or “koe-cheup”.

While we can’t pinpoint who the inventor of the original ketchup was, James Mease is credited with inventing the first tomato ketchup recipe in the early 1800s. He was a scientist from Philadelphia. Heinz came out with their own recipe in 1876 and are one of the most well known ketchup brands today.

Step #1. Prepare Ketchup Ingredients

How to Make Ketchup - Step 1 - inthekitch.net
How to Make Ketchup - Step 1. Image 2 - inthekitch.net

In this tutorial, we will teach you how to make your own ketchup, starting from fresh tomatoes or from tomato paste. You will need:

  • 2 cups ripe tomatoes, quartered (or tomato paste)
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, or to taste
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Squeeze bottle, optional

Step #2. Combine Ingredients in a Pot

How to Make Ketchup - Step 2 Fresh tomatoes - inthekitch.net

If you’re going to start with fresh tomatoes, place them in a large pot with vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.

How to Make Ketchup - Step 2 Tomato Paste - inthekitch.net

If you’re starting from tomato paste, pour tomato paste in a large pot with vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.

Step #3. Simmer

How to Make Ketchup - Step 3 Fresh Tomatoes - inthekitch.net

Fresh Tomatoes: Simmer until it thickens and most of the liquid has evaporated (at least 25 minutes).

How to Make Ketchup - Step 3 Tomato Paste - inthekitch.net

Tomato Paste: Simmer for 15 minutes (if the texture is not smooth enough, you can also strain it using a fine mesh sieve). Continue to step #6.

Step #4. Purée

How to Make Ketchup - Step 4 - inthekitch.net
How to Make Ketchup - Step 4 Blended - inthekitch.net

Purée the fresh tomato mixture until smooth.

Step #5. Strain

How to Make Ketchup - Step 5 - inthekitch.net

Strain using a fine mesh sieve. (Optional for tomato paste mixture) If it is too watery for your liking, simmer it down further until desired thickness.

At this point, adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step #6. Chill & Serve

How to Make Ketchup - Step 6 - inthekitch.net

Put it in a squeeze bottle and away you go! It is recommended to keep your ketchup in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness. If you make an extra large batch, you can even store it in the freezer up to six months. So, you can make as much as you need and know you’ll always have the condiment ready for your next cookout or barbecue.

There is no need to fill your body with unnecessary preservatives or potentially harmful ingredients knowing ketchup is this quick and simple to make. Ready to quit buying generic ketchup at the store? Make your own batch of homemade ketchup from scratch and with ingredients you probably already have in your cabinet.

Like it hot? Add a little spice. Don’t be afraid to play around with the ingredients. Now, you’ll easily have the perfect addition to any meal. Who’s hungry?

How to Make Ketchup - Step by Step Guide
How to Make Ketchup - Step 6 image of ketchup and fries - inthekitch.net

How to Make Ketchup

Joss D
This recipe for ketchup is quick and easy, so no waiting around to top your juiciest hamburger or freshest batch of perfectly-salted french fries.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine American, British
Servings 6 1 oz servings
Calories 48 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 cups ripe tomatoes - quartered (or tomato paste)
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar - or to taste
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper - to taste

Instructions
 

From Fresh Tomatoes:

  • If you’re going to start with fresh tomatoes, place them in a large pot with vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.
    How to Make Ketchup - Step 2 Fresh tomatoes - inthekitch.net
  • Simmer until it thickens and most of the liquid has evaporated (at least 25 minutes).
    How to Make Ketchup - Step 3 Fresh Tomatoes cooking in a pot - inthekitch.net
  • Purée the fresh tomato mixture until smooth.
    How to Make Ketchup - Step 4 Blended ketchup - inthekitch.net
  • Strain using a fine mesh sieve. (Optional for tomato paste mixture) If it is too watery for your liking, simmer it down further until desired thickness. At this point, adjust the seasoning if needed.
    How to Make Ketchup - Step 5 straining ketchup into bowl - inthekitch.net

From Tomato Paste:

  • If you’re starting from tomato paste, pour tomato paste in a large pot with vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.
    How to Make Ketchup - Step 2 Tomato Paste - inthekitch.net
  • Simmer for 15 minutes (if the texture is not smooth enough, you can also strain it using a fine mesh sieve).
    How to Make Ketchup - Step 3 Tomato Paste cooking in a pot - inthekitch.net
  • Chill & Serve.
    How to Make Ketchup - Step 6 image of ketchup and fries - inthekitch.net

Equipment

Squeeze bottle (optional)
Blender
Fine mesh sieve

Video

Notes

The nutrition information is calculated for the fresh tomato ketchup. If making the ketchup out of tomato paste, the recipe yields approximately 1.5 cups ketchup (12 oz.).

Nutrition

Calories: 48kcalCarbohydrates: 11gSodium: 14mgPotassium: 144mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 415IUVitamin C: 6.8mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.

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