Homemade Ketchup – The Perfect Sauce for Every Burger

It’s hard to find a condiment as versatile as ketchup. This tomato and vinegar mixture found its way into so many different recipes that it’s hard to find something without it. French fries and ketchup are the first perfect pairing that comes to mind, but we’re sure you’ve enjoyed homemade ketchup with plenty of other dishes.

Even though it’s so popular worldwide, only a few people know how to make ketchup. Moreover, most of us can’t even name all the ketchup ingredients that make it so special.

However, if you’re interested to find out, you’re in the right place. In this article, you’ll find our traditional ketchup recipe with all the instructions needed for perfect execution.

So wait no more and start reading. 

What is Ketchup?

Let’s go over a few basics first. Before learning our traditional ketchup recipe, you’ll need to know what you’re making.

Ketchup is a condiment with a tomato base and usually includes vinegar and spices as well. There are a few more necessary ketchup ingredients, but more on that later.

This condiment is mainly used for dipping, but you’ll often find it in burgers and sandwiches as a spread. Also, plenty of sauces contain ketchup in the recipe. 

If you wish to try the best burgers in Miami, visit Burgermeister!

The Origins of Ketchup

Nowadays, we can’t imagine ketchup without its main ingredient – tomatoes. However, back in the day, this wasn’t the case.

Originally, homemade ketchup didn’t include tomatoes at all. Instead, fish, nuts, mushrooms, and fruit were used as a base for this type of sauce. And the name ketchup was used for many different sauces with a thick consistency.

Ketchup, as we know it today, was invented in 1812 by James Mease – an American scientist. Still, Heinz modified the traditional ketchup recipe and put out their version in 1876. Then, ketchup was bottled and ready to be sold worldwide. Lately, statistics say that Heinz company sells over 650 million bottles per year. And to this day, it remains one of the most popular condiments out there. 

What You’ll Need for Homemade Ketchup

You can’t learn how to make ketchup without the right ingredients. Check out what makes this condiment unique and why.

Tomatoes

We’ll use both tomato paste and whole tomatoes to make our version of ketchup. That way, we’ll get as close as possible to the flavor you get from store-bought bottles.

Sugar

Any good ketchup will taste a bit sweet, no matter how hot or spicy. Add sugar to cut the acidity from the vinegar and enhance the flavor.

Vinegar

Ketchup would taste a whole lot different without some tanginess. That’s why vinegar is crucial for this recipe. Also, it will give the final product a longer shelf life.

Spices

There’s no flavor without spice. And don’t worry, our recipe is full of both.

What to Serve With Ketchup

As we mentioned, ketchup goes well with a huge variety of dishes. We won’t judge you no matter what you use it with. Still, there are a few recommendations you should here.

These are our favorite pairings with homemade ketchup.

Sweet Potato Fries

When regular fries are just too basic, try something a bit different. You already know that fries and ketchup are the perfect matches, so why wouldn’t sweet potatoes take the couple to another level?

Sweet potato fries are crispy on the outside but sweet and tender on the inside. They are not hard to make, and after a quick dip in a bit of ketchup, they might become your favorite variation of fries. 

However, don’t make that decision before seeing the rest of our suggestions.

Tater Tots

Most people go for store-bought bags as they believe that making tater tots is a big deal. But it’s not. Check out some of the more straightforward recipes online and make your own version of tots.

They pair perfectly with our ketchup recipe, and once you try them together, you’ll understand why tater tots are on this list.

Fish Sticks

Fish sticks are the perfect meal to consume with a dipping sauce. And our version of ketchup is ideal for that kind of pairing.

The crispy texture of the sticks will taste amazing once it’s dipped in the sweet flavor of ketchup.

Chicken Nuggets

We don’t need to explain this one too much. If you’ve ever had chicken nuggets, you know they need a good dipping sauce alongside them.

What’s better than your own version of homemade ketchup? Only a few options, if you ask us.

Don’t settle for store-bought sauces, and try how your own creation pairs with everyone’s favorite childhood meal.

Ingredients

• 28 oz Can of whole tomatoes
• 2 tbsp of Tomato paste
• 1 tbsp of Olive oil (Extra-virgin)
• 2-5 tbsp of Brown sugar (to taste)
• Two garlic cloves
• One onion
• One 1-inch piece of ginger
• 1/4 cup of Apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 tsp of Ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp of Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

We made sure to make the instructions straightforward, so you don’t have to worry if your cooking skills will be able to match the recipe. Simply follow the steps, and you’ll learn how to make ketchup in no time.

Step 1

Start the process by heating oil over medium heat. Then, add onions and cook until they become soft, brown, and sweet. This takes about eight minutes on the stove.

Next, add the ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and allspice. Keep cooking for about two minutes while stirring often.

Step 2

It’s time to add the tomato paste to the mix. Keep stirring until the mixture turns orange. Usually, about two minutes is enough for this to happen.

Step 3

Pour in the tomatoes with the juices, along with the brown sugar, some salt, vinegar, and a bit of pepper. Stir the mixture and give it a taste. If you prefer your ketchup to be sweeter, add more sugar into the mix.

Step 4

Bring the ketchup to a simmer, then lower the temperature and cook for the next 20 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally and add more spice if the recipe needs it.

Step 5

Once the time has passed, take the mixture off the stove and give it a good blend. Once it’s smooth, refrigerate the ketchup and consume it with all of your favorite dishes.

Visit Burgermeister

Ketchup, fries, and burgers simply go well with each other. If you ever find yourself in Miami, looking to try the best burgers available, visit Burgermeister Fast Food Restaurant.