Catsup
Catsup is a rich, homemade condiment made from unpeeled tomatoes, sugar, and spices. Its sweet and tangy flavor profile, enhanced with vinegar and spices like cinnamon and red pepper, makes it perfect for enhancing burgers, fries, and sandwiches. A delightful addition to any kitchen that enjoys bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine tomatoes, salt, sugar, vinegar, cinnamon, mustard, red pepper, and mixed spices in a kettle.
- Boil hard for 1 hour.
- Strain the mixture.
- Return to the stove and thicken with cornstarch, moistened with a little vinegar.
- Boil for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother catsup, blend the strained mixture before thickening. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned whole tomatoes. Adjust the sugar and vinegar to taste depending on your preference for sweetness and acidity. For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a chopped jalapeño. This catsup pairs beautifully with Buns.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this homemade catsup alongside your favorite grilled meats or use it as a dipping sauce for fries and onion rings. It also makes a great condiment for burgers and sandwiches. For a fun twist, try it with Mississippi Mud Pie for dessert, creating an interesting sweet and savory contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover catsup in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider canning the catsup in sterilized jars to keep it fresh for several months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Catsup contains roughly 208 calories, with 2g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 474mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of tomato for this catsup recipe?
Yes, you can use any variety of ripe tomatoes, but paste tomatoes like Roma or San Marzano are ideal due to their lower moisture content, which results in a thicker catsup. However, if you only have regular slicing tomatoes, they will work as well—just be prepared for a slightly thinner consistency.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the catsup?
To adjust the spiciness, you can increase or decrease the amount of red pepper used in the recipe. For a milder flavor, reduce the red pepper to 1 teaspoon or omit it altogether. Conversely, for more heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this catsup recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the sugar you use is vegan-friendly, as some sugar is processed with bone char. This catsup can also be used in various vegan recipes, enhancing flavors in dishes like BBQ tofu or veggie burgers.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).