By Christian Kennedy

Delicious House Recipe Fancy Tomato Ketchup - Sauces by Jrk!

Check out our latest house recipe for fancy tomato ketchup. This sauce is perfect for any dish you want to add a little bit of flavor to!

Making your ketchup is easy and results in a much more delicious and flavorful product than anything you can buy at the store. There are different techniques for making ketchup at home, but only the proper tomato concentrate results in the best recipe. So follow the recipe to make fancy tomato ketchup perfect for those special occasions. Give it a try – you won't be disappointed!

What Is Ketchup?

Ketchup is a thick, tangy sauce commonly used as a condiment on foods such as hamburgers, french fries, and hot dogs. This famous sauce gets its trademark flavor from vinegar and spices, and it can also be made with tomatoes or other fruits. Ketchup can be eaten alone as a dip or flavoring or incorporated into sauces and marinades. So whether you enjoy ketchup with your meals or are simply looking for a tasty topping on your brunch eggs, this versatile condiment is sure to please.

Is Ketchup Gluten Free?

It is a bit more complicated than it may initially seem. While there are some gluten-free brands of ketchup, to at least 20 ppm, the consensus seems to be that most commercially available ketchup does contain gluten to some degree. This is because many brands use flour as one of their binders, potentially as a source of gluten in the finished product.

Despite this, finding gluten-free ketchup is not too difficult. Many health food stores and online retailers offer a wide range of options for those looking to avoid gluten in their diets. These usually include high-quality organic brands that use alternatives to traditional binders like xanthan gum or potato starch instead of flour. So if you are looking for a delicious condiment that won't compromise your dietary needs, it's easy to find a good quality, gluten-free ketchup with just a bit of research.

Ingredients For Homemade Ketchup

Simple kitchen essentials can be used to make delicious homemade ketchup. What you'll need is as follows:

Tomatoes

This recipe calls for 2 pounds of tomatoes, preferably a mix of red and yellow varieties.

Vinegar

Use 1/4 cup white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for tanginess.

Sugar

1/2 cup sugar adds just the right sweetness to balance out the acidity from the vinegar.

Spices And Seasonings

One teaspoon each of salt, onion powder, natural flavors, garlic powder, and black pepper adds flavor to the ketchup. To personalize the flavors to your liking, feel free to experiment with various herbs and spices.

The Making Of Ketchup

The instructions for using ingredients for making ketchup are as follows,

Cook Every Ingredient

In the start, simmer the tomatoes in a big pot on medium-high heat until they are mushy and crumbling. Then add the vinegar, sugar, and spices to the pot and let simmer for about 10 minutes.

Blend

Next, blend the mixture of spice onion powder, natural syrup, distilled vinegar, corn syrup, and others using an immersion or regular blender until it reaches your desired consistency.

Put The Mixture Through A Strainer or Fine Mesh Sieve

Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or strainer to separate excess chunks and skins from the ketchup.

Back In The Pot, Add Cornstarch & Boil

Add one tablespoon of cornstarch to two tablespoons of water in a small container and mix it into the saucepan of ketchup if you prefer it thicker. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat or until the desired thickness is obtained.

Ketchup Recipe's Secret

Ketchup is a classic ingredient in many recipes and dishes, from burgers to fried chicken. But most people don't realize that ketchup has more ingredients or secret ingredients that take it to the next level – smoked paprika. This flavorful spice adds subtle smokiness and value to each bite and enhances the overall flavor of the ketchup. 

If you don't already have smoked paprika in your pantry, now is the perfect time to add it – you won't regret it. So whether you're making burgers, fries, or chicken tenders with your ketchup, this smoky spice will make your meals taste like restaurants.

Natural Sweeteners For Homemade Ketchup Recipe

Pretty straightforward, right? This homemade ketchup recipe has just the suitably added sugars ensuring no tooth decay or weight gain. It's not excessively sweet. When you make your batch choose one of these several sweeteners:

  • Brown sugar 
  • Coconut sugar
  • Honey 
  • Maple syrup 
  • Agave syrup
  • High fructose corn syrup distilled

Should Ketchup Be Refrigerated?

There is much debate regarding whether ketchup should be refrigerated or not. Some argue that it is best kept in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and cool, while others claim that storing it in the fridge can change the flavor and texture of the sauce.

Whether or not to refrigerate ketchup ultimately depends on individual preferences and personal taste. For example, some people like their ketchup cold and thick, while others prefer a more runny, room-temperature sauce.

How Long Does It Last?

Ketchup is stored in a glass jar or squeeze bottle made from tomatoes, distilled vinegar, natural flavors, and other spices. It is generally consumed as an accompaniment for burgers, fries, hot dogs, and other foods. While ketchup can be kept at room temperature for several months, its shelf life depends on several factors.

Temperature

The first factor that affects the life of ketchup is storage temperature. Ketchup stored at higher temperatures may spoil more quickly than ketchup stored in the refrigerator or freezer. For this reason, it's essential to keep your ketchup cool to help preserve its flavor and freshness.

However, homemade ketchup generally lasts longer than store-bought ketchup and can often be stored unrefrigerated for up to 6 months. This is because homemade ketchup is typically made with a lower sugar content than store-bought ketchup, which causes the preservative qualities of sugar to be less effective.

Storing Place

Additionally, avoid storing your ketchup near food products that produce strong odors or release moisture, as these factors can speed up the spoiling process.

It is generally recommended to keep homemade ketchup stored somewhere cool and dry. Not only will this prevent your ketchup from spoiling or getting moldy, but it will also help maintain its texture and consistency over time.

Exposure To Air

In addition to temperature, another critical factor affecting ketchup's life is exposure to air and light. Exposure to air speeds up the oxidation process that causes food to change color and develop an off-taste over time. This is why it's best to store your ketchup in a glass jar or squeeze bottle that limits airflow around the sauce.

Likewise, keeping your ketchup away from direct sunlight will help reduce its exposure to light rays that can degrade color and flavor over time.

Sealed Bottles

With proper care and storage, well-sealed ketchup bottles can last for several months or longer when stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Expiry Date

Finally, there isn't one regarding expiration dates for homemade ketchup. Aside from obvious signs of swelling or mold growth, how long your homemade ketchup lasts will depend on its original ingredients and how well you've been able to preserve it over time. If in doubt about whether your homemade ketchup has gone wrong or not, always choose the side of caution and throw it out. After all, a little extra effort now could save you from getting sick later on.

What To Serve With Ketchup?

Ketchup is a versatile condiment that pairs well with various dishes. From potatoes and fish to vegetables and meat, there are endless options for adding ketchup to enhance the flavor of any dish. Here are some of our favorite recipes that go great with ketchup:

Perfect Sweet Potato Fries Baked

These crispy sweet potato fries are tastier when drizzled with ketchup. This simple yet delicious recipe features sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Rosemary Roasted Potato Wedges

With their crispy exterior and creamy interior, roasted potato wedges make a perfect side dish for any meal. This recipe incorporates fresh rosemary and garlic for added flavor and pairs beautifully with a dollop of ketchup on top.

Crispy Baked Fish Sticks 

They are made with flaky white fish fillets and panko breadcrumbs as the main ingredients. The baked fish sticks are extra-crispy and delicious when paired with your favorite type of ketchup. So whether you prefer classic tomato ketchup or something more adventurous like spicy sriracha or sweet honey mustard, your taste buds will be in heaven when diving into these tasty treats.

Easy Homemade Chicken Nuggets 

Starting with a classic favorite, the recipe for easy homemade chicken nuggets is simple yet delicious. Tender, bite-sized chunks of chicken are coated in seasoned flour before being lightly fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Perfect for dipping in a bowl of ketchup or smothering with sriracha sauce.

Crispy Portobello Fries Baked

Looking for something slightly more adventurous? Try crispy portobello fries with ketchup; they make an excellent alternative to traditional potato fries. Thin slices of mushroom are coated in flour before being baked until perfectly crisp and tender on the inside. These savory bites are sure to be an impact at your next gathering.

Homemade Baked Tater Tots

For those who favor flavor over simplicity, homemade baked tater tots are sure to please. Seasoned with garlic powder and paprika, these deliciously seasoned bites of potato goodness pack plenty of flavor into every bite. Best of all, they can easily be customized with your favorite herbs and spices! So these unique recipes will never disappoint whether you like your tater tots plain or jazzed up.

Nutrition Per Serving

Serving Size 2 tablespoons contains:

  • Calories 23  
  • Protein 0 g  
  • Carbohydrate 4 g  
  • Dietary Fiber 1 g 
  • Total Sugars 3 g 
  •  Saturated fat content and unsaturated Fat 1 g
  • Saturated Fat 0 g 
  • Cholesterol 0 mg

Final Verdict 

Now that you know all about ketchup, it's time to get cooking. Get your ingredients, mix them according to the steps, and get the best output after following the instructions. Then, head over to Sauces by Jrk! for the full recipe and other delicious sauce recipes by Sauces by Jrk! You'll be impressing your friends and family with your culinary skills.

                                                                 KYLE PRICE 

Kyle Price, the creative force behind Sauces by Jrk!, brings a unique blend of Jamaican culinary heritage and modern flair to the world of gourmet sauces. Starting his journey in a bustling Miami kitchen, Kyle's passion for authentic Jamaican flavors and commitment to natural, health-focused ingredients quickly set his sauces apart. His mantra, "Health is Wealth, Mon," reflects in every bottle, offering a delicious journey into Jamaican tradition with a contemporary twist.

For more about Kyle and his approach, visit Sauces by Jrk!.
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