HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN TOMATO KETCHUP AT HOME STEP BY STEP RECIPE GUIDE

By:chef ssentongo

Making your own tomato ketchup at home is easy, delicious, and free from preservatives! Here’s a step-by-step recipe guide to help you create a rich, flavorful homemade ketchup.

Homemade Tomato Ketchup Recipe

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins
Yield: About 2 cups

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (1 kg) ripe tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp paprika (or smoked paprika for depth)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for thickness)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

• If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them:
• Score an “X” on the bottom of each tomato.
• Boil water in a pot, then drop tomatoes in for 30 seconds.
• Transfer to ice water, peel off the skins, and chop.
• If using canned tomatoes, simply drain excess liquid and chop.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
• Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft (~3-4 mins).

Step 3: Cook Tomatoes

• Add chopped tomatoes, bay leaf, and tomato paste (if using).
• Stir well, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
• Cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down.

Step 4: Blend the Mixture

• Remove the bay leaf.
• Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender) to puree until smooth.

Step 5: Simmer with Spices

• Return the puree to the pot (if using a blender).
• Add vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper, mustard powder, cloves, cinnamon, and paprika.
• Simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency & Taste

• If too thick, add a splash of water.
• If too thin, simmer longer or add a bit more tomato paste.
• Taste and adjust sweetness (sugar), tang (vinegar), or salt as needed.

Step 7: Strain (Optional)

• For ultra-smooth ketchup, strain through a fine-mesh sieve.

Step 8: Cool & Store

• Let cool completely before transferring to a sterilized glass jar or bottle.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

Tips for Best Results:

✔ Use ripe, sweet tomatoes for the best flavor.
✔ For a smoky twist, add a pinch of chipotle powder.
✔ Sterilize bottles by boiling in water for 10 mins before filling.

Enjoy your homemade ketchup on burgers, fries, or as a dipping sauce! 🍅😋

Would you like any variations (spicy, sugar-free, etc.)?

27 BBQ PARTY FOOD IDEAS AND RECIPES

Hosting a BBQ party? Here are 27 delicious and crowd-pleasing BBQ food ideas, from smoky meats to refreshing sides and desserts!

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🔥 MEAT & MAIN DISHES

1. Classic BBQ Ribs – Slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone ribs with sticky sauce.
2. Juicy Smoked Brisket – Tender, smoky beef brisket with a perfect bark.
3. Pulled Pork Sandwiches – Shredded pork shoulder in tangy BBQ sauce on buns.
4. Grilled BBQ Chicken – Marinated in buttermilk and basted with sauce.
5. Beer Can Chicken – Whole chicken roasted upright over a beer can for extra juiciness.
6. Honey-Glazed Pork Chops – Sweet and savory grilled chops.
7. BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp – Smoky, crispy, and irresistible.
8. Smoked Sausages & Hot Dogs – Serve with grilled onions and mustard.
9. BBQ Beef Short Ribs – Rich, meaty, and caramelized.
10. Grilled Lamb Chops – Herb-marinated with garlic and rosemary.

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🌽 SIDES & VEGGIE OPTIONS

11. Creamy Coleslaw – Classic crunchy slaw with a tangy dressing.
12. Baked Beans – Slow-cooked with bacon and molasses.
13. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Buttery with chili-lime seasoning.
14. Mac & Cheese – Extra cheesy with a crispy breadcrumb topping.
15. Potato Salad – Creamy, mustardy, and loaded with herbs.
16. Grilled Veggie Skewers – Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
17. Garlic Butter Grilled Bread – Crispy on the outside, soft inside.
18. Watermelon Feta Salad – Refreshing with mint and balsamic glaze.
19. Jalapeño Cornbread – Spicy, sweet, and buttery.
20. Grilled Pineapple – Caramelized and perfect with ice cream.

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BURGERS & SANDWICHES

21. Smash Burgers – Crispy edges with melty cheese.
22. BBQ Chicken Sliders – Mini buns with pulled chicken.
23. Portobello Mushroom Burgers – Great for vegetarians.

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🍰 DESSERTS

24. S’mores Dip – Melted chocolate & marshmallows for dipping.
25. Grilled Peach Crisp – Warm peaches with cinnamon and oats.
26. Banana Pudding – Creamy, layered with vanilla wafers.
27. Ice Cream Sundae Bar – Let guests customize their own!

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🍹 Bonus: Drink Ideas

• Minty Lemonade
• Bourbon Peach Iced Tea
• Cold Beer & Sangria

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🔥 Pro Tips:
✔ Prep ahead – Marinate meats overnight.
✔ Set up a DIY condiment bar – BBQ sauces, pickles, onions, and hot sauces.
✔ Keep it fun – Add lawn games and good music!

Which recipe would you like in detail? Let me know, and happy grilling!