Homemade Ketchup

Homemade+ketchup
Got tomatoes? Me too. And even though I have them in my back yard, I can’t help but pick up more when there are so many overflowing bins of them at the market. And so this year I made ketchup (takes up less space than sauce or whole tomatoes – not that I’ve ever preserved my own that way anyway) – since W is such a ketchup fan, and because the bottled kind you get at the store is largely liquid sugar, I thought I’d make my own before he gets old enough to discriminate against any ketchup that doesn’t start with an H and end in a Z. I posted it over at the Family Kitchen, and it went a little bit viral – turns out it’s not just me who thinks homemade ketchup is a good idea. We talked about it on CBC yesterday morning, along with the issue of tomato classification.

To recap: Botanically, tomatoes are indeed fruit, but they are also vegetables. The term is purely culinary, referring to any plant whose fruit, seeds, roots, tubers, bulbs, stems, leaves, or flower parts are used as food. So from a culinary standpoint, a tomato is a vegetable. In the garden, it’s a fruit. Whatever you call it, I’m just happy that my plants are producing some. (Emphasis on some.) In case you do get pulled into the fruit vs. vegetable debate, you can play the Supreme Court card: legally, tomatoes have been considered vegetables since the late 1800s when the US imposed tariff laws that included a duty on vegetables but not fruit, forcing a court decision. (Furthermore, tomatoes are the state vegetable of New Jersey – 8,682,661 New Jerseyers can’t be wrong.)

There are a bazillion ketchup recipes out there – all flavoured differently. So feel free to add spices to suit your taste – cinnamon, cloves, paprika, celery seed, peppercorns, bay leaves and fresh basil are commonly simmered along with the tomatoes (pluck out anything that’s too hard to purée), or try thinly slicing a bulb of fresh fennel and adding it to the pot. I do this in the slow cooker – throw the lot of it in and set it on low for 6-8 hours. Purée.

Homemade Tomato Ketchup

AuthorJulie

Yields1 Serving

canola or olive oil, for cooking
1 purple onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled (optional)
10 medium tomatoes (about 3 lbs.), roughly chopped
1 5.5 oz (156 mL) can tomato paste
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup red wine or apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. salt
pinch dried red chili flakes

1

In a large pot, heat a generous drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, then add the tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, salt and chili flakes and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for an hour or so or until very soft and fairly thick.

2

Using a hand-held immersion blender, purée the mixture right in the pot, or cool and transfer in batches to a blender and puree until smooth. Seal in sealable jars according to the manufacturers’ directions, store in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze for up to six months.

Category

Ingredients

 canola or olive oil, for cooking
 1 purple onion, chopped
 2 garlic cloves, peeled (optional)
 10 medium tomatoes (about 3 lbs.), roughly chopped
 1 5.5 oz (156 mL) can tomato paste
 1 cup packed brown sugar
 1/2 cup red wine or apple cider vinegar
 1 tsp. salt
 pinch dried red chili flakes
Homemade Tomato Ketchup
Share

About Julie

You May Also Like

61 comments on “Homemade Ketchup”

  1. Allie
    September 22, 2010 at 6:57 pm

    Brilliant! I’m married to quite possibly the most loyal name-brand ketchup fan, so this might be a challenge. But a girl can dream, right?

  2. Mary Ann
    September 22, 2010 at 7:23 pm

    I too made ketchup this summer. Less sweet, spicier than the commercial and I really like it. Can’t get the others in the house to even give it a try. Maybe one day {sigh}
    Yup – a girl can dream!

  3. Sharon
    September 22, 2010 at 7:44 pm

    This is eery. I logged on to ask if you had done this, or would consider doing it. Thanks.

  4. Nancy
    September 22, 2010 at 9:28 pm

    I’m going to challenge on having the most loyal name-brand ketchup fan: I used to have to smuggle American you-know-what across the border to my husband when he was going to school in Montreal, because the Canadian version “didn’t taste the same”. What do you think would happen if I put some of this in an empty brand-name bottle?

  5. JulieVR
    September 22, 2010 at 9:29 pm

    Nancy – ha! I think he would know the difference. He might think it tasted funny and try to return it to the store…

  6. akaJB
    September 22, 2010 at 10:29 pm

    I posted a link to your post on the family kitchen in the comments of the following globe article: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/facts-and-arguments/the-secret-weapon-at-my-table-ketchup/article1716843/

  7. Evelyn in Canada
    September 22, 2010 at 11:48 pm

    But can you make this out of blighted tomatoes? Green or otherwise? I’m on a hunt for green tomato recipes that can be pressure-canned. Maybe because of the vinegar, I can water-bath process the ketchup. That should get the Ph level up high enough, right? What would it taste like out of green tomatoes? Maybe I’ll make a half-sized batch tomorrow and see how it tastes and let you know.

  8. Sharon
    September 23, 2010 at 12:22 am

    I’m very impressed by the bottles and how perfectly you’ve filled them. Tiny little points of ketchup reaching up to be poured.

  9. JulieVR
    September 23, 2010 at 3:18 am

    Why thanks! they just turned out like that, having used a funnel. Normally I’m not that neat.

  10. Lisa
    September 23, 2010 at 8:22 am

    How long will this ketchup keep for in the fridge? Can you freeze it?

  11. erin
    September 23, 2010 at 8:36 am

    Julie,

    Thanks for this, can’t wait to try it. Your blog has become the first place I check when I am looking for a homemade version of something that most people wouldn’t think of making from scratch.

  12. sharon
    September 23, 2010 at 8:47 am

    At the risk of you blowing me off here Julie I am asking you and your readers to sign this. It must be signed today Sep 24 (or I would have sent it privately).

    Think Before You Pink: Against Bovine Growth Hormone in MILK.

    http://thinkbeforeyoupink.org/

  13. Shannon
    September 23, 2010 at 1:07 pm

    Love the photo. Next you should make Blackberry Ketchup. Mmmm..

  14. Robyn
    September 23, 2010 at 4:50 pm

    i feel like this could be another game-changer for me, along the lines of the skillet strawberry jam! and you don’t have to peel the tomatoes – awesome.

  15. Chelsey
    September 23, 2010 at 6:49 pm

    Ketchup, now that is something I have to try. What did w think, did he notice anything different?

  16. Eden
    September 24, 2010 at 2:22 pm

    I just made this recipe this afternoon. My tomatoes were pretty sweet little romas so I cut the sugar in half which worked out. I loved this recipe no peeling, seeding etc. so quick.

    We just finished picking all the tomatoes because we were afraid we might get frost before they were ripe.

    Thanks for the recipe! I never would have thought of making ketchup. I just love your blog! Next up, salsa to use up the rest of the ripe tomatoes.

  17. Barb
    September 26, 2010 at 4:53 pm

    This sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to try it.!

  18. buy cialis safely online
    June 9, 2025 at 10:35 am

    I’ll certainly bring to read more.

  19. dosing of flagyl for dogs
    June 11, 2025 at 4:52 am

    More articles like this would remedy the blogosphere richer.

  20. 899s6
    June 12, 2025 at 10:48 pm

    buy generic azithromycin 250mg – azithromycin 250mg without prescription buy flagyl online cheap

  21. nvs5f
    June 14, 2025 at 10:54 am

    order semaglutide 14mg online cheap – periactin 4mg brand buy periactin tablets

  22. 1prne
    June 16, 2025 at 10:03 am

    domperidone over the counter – sumycin 250mg cost flexeril pill

  23. 1huah
    June 25, 2025 at 11:59 am

    amoxiclav cheap – https://atbioinfo.com/ ampicillin us

  24. kyxya
    June 27, 2025 at 4:13 am

    purchase nexium – https://anexamate.com/ buy cheap generic esomeprazole

  25. zolig
    June 28, 2025 at 1:41 pm

    buy warfarin generic – blood thinner buy cheap generic hyzaar

  26. rz1uq
    June 30, 2025 at 11:25 am

    buy cheap generic meloxicam – tenderness buy meloxicam for sale

  27. ldb0b
    July 2, 2025 at 8:22 am

    generic prednisone 40mg – https://apreplson.com/ deltasone 20mg brand

  28. dqvul
    July 3, 2025 at 11:10 am

    erection pills online – https://fastedtotake.com/ best male ed pills

  29. xji3g
    July 4, 2025 at 8:59 pm

    buy amoxil online – https://combamoxi.com/ amoxicillin oral

  30. 0qib5
    July 9, 2025 at 4:51 am

    generic fluconazole 200mg – on this site order fluconazole 200mg generic

  31. oq3cy
    July 10, 2025 at 11:24 am

    brand lexapro 10mg – escitalopram 20mg drug buy lexapro 20mg online

  32. yfgv8
    July 10, 2025 at 6:30 pm

    cenforce cost – https://cenforcers.com/# cenforce 50mg cheap

  33. f7u3h
    July 12, 2025 at 5:04 am

    cialis free samples – https://ciltadgn.com/ cialis coupon walgreens

  34. t6nwg
    July 13, 2025 at 11:48 am

    cialis purchase – https://strongtadafl.com/ canadian pharmacy ezzz cialis

  35. Connievem
    July 15, 2025 at 1:09 am

    ranitidine ca – https://aranitidine.com/ oral zantac

  36. lm81h
    July 15, 2025 at 6:41 pm

    viagra sale ottawa – https://strongvpls.com/# sildenafil 50 mg cost

  37. Connievem
    July 17, 2025 at 12:52 pm

    With thanks. Loads of erudition! este sitio

  38. 1h9ei
    July 17, 2025 at 6:18 pm

    Thanks on putting this up. It’s okay done. buy amoxil pills for sale

  39. Connievem
    July 20, 2025 at 5:54 am

    This is the description of content I take advantage of reading. https://ursxdol.com/sildenafil-50-mg-in/

  40. pj7zg
    July 20, 2025 at 9:02 pm

    I am in truth thrilled to coup d’oeil at this blog posts which consists of tons of profitable facts, thanks towards providing such data. https://prohnrg.com/product/omeprazole-20-mg/

  41. 2r526
    July 23, 2025 at 2:15 pm

    Thanks an eye to sharing. It’s first quality. https://aranitidine.com/fr/acheter-propecia-en-ligne/

  42. Connievem
    August 5, 2025 at 5:55 pm

    Thanks on sharing. It’s top quality. https://ondactone.com/spironolactone/

  43. Connievem
    August 8, 2025 at 5:00 pm

    This is the make of delivery I recoup helpful.
    buy imitrex 50mg

  44. Connievem
    August 17, 2025 at 3:42 pm

    With thanks. Loads of conception! http://shiftdelete.10tl.net/member.php?action=profile&uid=200432

  45. Connievem
    August 22, 2025 at 9:22 am

    cheap forxiga – https://janozin.com/# pill dapagliflozin 10 mg

  46. Connievem
    August 25, 2025 at 9:52 am

    orlistat for sale online – https://asacostat.com/ buy generic orlistat 60mg

  47. Connievem
    August 31, 2025 at 5:51 pm

    Palatable blog you be undergoing here.. It’s hard to assign great worth writing like yours these days. I really appreciate individuals like you! Rent vigilance!! http://www.haxorware.com/forums/member.php?action=profile&uid=396484

  48. InvgHault
    October 8, 2025 at 12:16 pm

    You can keep yourself and your family close being heedful when buying panacea online. Some pharmaceutics websites manipulate legally and provide convenience, secretiveness, rate savings and safeguards over the extent of purchasing medicines. buy in TerbinaPharmacy https://terbinafines.com/product/orlistat.html orlistat

  49. 5hgac
    October 9, 2025 at 12:51 pm

    Proof blog you procure here.. It’s severely to assign elevated calibre writing like yours these days. I truly recognize individuals like you! Rent vigilance!! TerbinaPharmacy

  50. free online poker games
    October 11, 2025 at 2:08 pm

    I’ll certainly bring to skim more.

  51. Gonihb
    February 10, 2026 at 4:46 am

    casino online games for real money
    win real money online casino
    best online casinos texas

  52. Tumlcp
    February 11, 2026 at 9:56 am

    mgm first bet betmgm Missouri mgm betting app promo

  53. Inpwpu
    February 19, 2026 at 6:52 am

    Discover a haven for gamblers seeking variety and excitement. crown coins provides secure banking and round-the-clock customer service. Register today for instant access to premium games!

  54. Wjmcoh
    February 22, 2026 at 3:56 pm

    Sweet Bonanza turns every spin into a delicious thrill ride. Collect sweet bonanza 25000x matching treats anywhere for payouts, then unleash the free spins round. Sweet rewards await!

  55. Kjxsfu
    February 25, 2026 at 1:03 pm

    Charge into the heart of the prairie with epic spins and roaring wins! mega power buffalo delivers stampeding free games, wild multipliers, and life-changing jackpots that keep you coming back. Play now and let the herd lead you to riches!

  56. Hkzaue
    February 27, 2026 at 3:10 pm

    Play the best social casino slots at chumbacasinox — completely free to start! Daily login bonuses + welcome Sweeps Coins give you endless chances to win big. Join now!

  57. Ftloyq
    March 1, 2026 at 5:55 pm

    stake casino — the only casino you’ll ever need. Slots, live tables, originals, sports, esports. One account rules them all.

  58. Lolzga
    March 6, 2026 at 12:26 pm

    Originalni kvalita – genericka cena! Az 80 % dole > opravdovalekarna.cz
    objednat Atarax

  59. Ptawuh
    March 10, 2026 at 4:57 pm

    Solder together the millions enchanting momentous on fan maxxwins – the #1 real in dough casino app in America.
    Respite c start your $1000 WITH IT AGAIN hand-out and modify every make up, hand and roll into official coin of the realm rewards.
    Firm payouts, whopping jackpots, and day in action – download FanDuel Casino any longer and start playing like a pro today!

  60. Rvqnwi
    March 17, 2026 at 1:17 pm

    El mejor casino online es Betano https://betanogame.org/es/. Desbloquea el 100% hasta ?‚¬500 m??s giros gratis y disfruta de acci??n sin parar. Pagos r??pidos, torneos enormes y diversi??n interminable te esperan.

  61. Iuonnr
    March 21, 2026 at 5:34 pm

    Descubra o Mostbet: b??nus de 125% + 290 rodadas gr??tis para novos jogadores – https://mostbetpt.pro/ , Jogue no cassino que mais mima seus jogadores: Mostbet .

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.