Ketchup is one of the most popular sauces in the world and holds a special place in every kitchen. Thanks to its balanced sweet and sour flavor, ketchup is used as an ideal accompaniment to many dishes such as burgers, French fries, sandwiches, and even in some local dishes.
But what about the history of ketchup and how to prepare it at home? In this article, we will discuss all of that in detail.
Ketchup can be prepared with simple and available ingredients, making it healthy and free of preservatives. Here are the basic ingredients you need to make ketchup:
Ingredients:
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes (about 400 grams)
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar (the amount can be increased according to taste)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of clove powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (optional to thicken the sauce)
How to prepare:
In a saucepan over medium heat, add a little vegetable oil and heat it. Then add the chopped onions and stir until they wilt and become translucent, then add the chopped garlic and continue stirring until fragrant.
After the onions and garlic are soft, add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste if you want to thicken the consistency. Stir the mixture well until combined.
Add the brown sugar and white vinegar to the pot, and mix them with the tomatoes. The vinegar will give the sour taste a balance with the sweetness of the sugar.