Ketchup

 Ingredients: 4 kg tomatoes, 3 kg bell peppers, 0.5 kg red onion, 2 celery roots, 1 tablespoon vinegar, spices to taste (oregano, rosemary, chili, onion powder, garlic powder), 2 tablespoons sugar

Homemade ketchup is a delicacy that adds a touch of flavor to any dish, and its preparation is not complicated at all. We start by preparing the tomatoes. They are cut into quarters, and each piece is then subjected to a squeezing process. The goal is to remove the skin and seeds, leaving only the rich and aromatic juice of the tomatoes, which will form the base of our ketchup.

After obtaining the tomato juice, we move on to the vegetables. The onion, bell peppers, and celery are finely chopped using a blender. It is important that they are well mixed to integrate perfectly into the ketchup composition. We mix the chopped vegetables with the tomato juice and put them to boil in a large pot. We boil everything over medium heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and the flavors blend.

Once we have a homogeneous composition, it is time to add the preferred spices. This can include salt, pepper, sugar, vinegar, or even various seasonings like garlic or basil, depending on everyone's taste. After seasoning the mixture, we put it back in the blender to achieve a creamy consistency specific to ketchup. If we notice that the ketchup is too thick, we can add a little water and let it boil for a few more minutes to achieve the desired texture.

Once the ketchup is ready, we transfer it to clean, well-washed, and dried bottles. It is essential to ensure that the containers are sterilized to prevent contamination. After filling the bottles, we wrap them in paper and boil them to ensure proper sealing. This step is crucial for keeping the ketchup fresh for a longer period.

Homemade ketchup is not only tastier than store-bought, but it also offers the advantage of being able to control the spiciness level, perfectly adapting it to our preferences. It is a simple recipe, but the final result will surprise anyone who tastes it, turning every meal into a true celebration of flavors.

 Tags:  onion garlic tomatoes pepper sugar gluten-free recipes lactose-free recipes vegetarian recipes fat-free recipes