Red Ketchup
A vibrant homemade red ketchup with bold tomato flavor, balanced spices, and sweetness. Perfect for casual gatherings, barbecues, or as a versatile condiment for various dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir all ingredients, except sugar and clear-jel, together in a large kettle.
- Boil down the mixture for 1 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add the sugar to the mixture and continue boiling.
- Mix the clear-jel with cold water and add to the kettle to thicken the ketchup.
- Cook until the desired thickness is reached, then cool and bottle.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the onions before adding them to the kettle. If you prefer a spicier ketchup, add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar for a slightly different taste. If clear-jel is unavailable, cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent, but adjust the quantity accordingly for desired thickness.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade ketchup pairs beautifully with burgers, fries, and grilled meats, making it a perfect condiment for summer barbecues. It can also enhance the flavors of dishes like meatloaf or serve as a dipping sauce for appetizers. For a twist, try it with Jerky - Antelope Or Deer. It complements various dishes, adding a sweet and tangy kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover ketchup in airtight bottles or jars in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Make sure to cool the ketchup completely before sealing. If you need to reheat it, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain its consistency. Avoid using the microwave as it may cause uneven heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Ketchup contains roughly 840 calories, with 9g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1066mg per serving (46% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of tomato juice?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes by pureeing them and straining the seeds. You will need to adjust the cooking time to reduce the mixture to the desired consistency, which may take longer than using pre-made tomato juice.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the ketchup?
To modify the sweetness, simply increase or decrease the amount of sugar to your taste. Remember to balance it with the acidity from the vinegar. Start with 6 cups of sugar and add more gradually, tasting as you go.
Is it possible to make this ketchup vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly as it does not contain any animal products. However, always check your ingredients, especially the vinegar, to ensure it meets your vegan requirements.
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).