Tomato Catsup
Tomato catsup offers a rich, tangy flavor with a hint of spice, making it a versatile condiment for meats, fries, and sandwiches. Its homemade quality ensures a fresh taste free from preservatives, perfect for those who enjoy classic, flavorful condiments with a touch of warmth and complexity.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and chop the tomatoes.
- Chop the peppers and onions. Mince the garlic.
- Combine vegetables in a processor bowl, in batches, until they are well pureed.
- Pour the puree into a heavy saucepan and add the salt and sugar.
- Combine allspice, celery seed, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, and mustard seed in a cheesecloth bag and add to the puree.
- Add vinegar, stirring to blend.
- Cook uncovered until volume is reduced by half.
- Remove spice bag; pour into jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, consider straining the puree through a fine mesh sieve after blending. If you want to adjust sweetness, use honey or agave syrup instead of sugar. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added for a twist, enhancing the flavor profile. This recipe is versatile and can also be used as a base for other sauces, like BBQ sauce, making it a great addition to your collection of American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Tomato catsup is perfect as a condiment for burgers, hot dogs, and fries. It can also elevate dishes like homemade chili or be served with a side of Fat-Free Garbage Salad for a refreshing contrast. Use it as a dipping sauce for appetizers or to enhance the flavor of grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with The Family's Favorite Chili for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store the finished tomato catsup in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to three months. For long-term storage, consider canning the catsup using a water bath method. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Catsup contains roughly 306 calories, with 4g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 canned tomatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes for convenience, but fresh ripe tomatoes yield the best flavor. If using canned, opt for whole tomatoes in juice and drain any excess liquid before pureeing to achieve the desired consistency.
How can I adjust the spice levels in the catsup?
To adjust the spice levels, you can reduce the amount of allspice, cloves, and mustard seed, or replace them with milder spices like paprika or ground ginger. Taste the mixture as it cooks to find your preferred balance of flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Yes, this tomato catsup can be canned. Ensure you follow proper canning procedures, including sterilizing jars and using a water bath method. This will help preserve the catsup for up to a year, making it a great addition to your pantry.
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).