Tomato and red pepper ketchup

Tomato and Pepper Ketchup - a delicious and flavorful recipe

Tomato and pepper ketchup is more than just a simple sauce; it is an explosion of flavors that enriches every meal. Made with fresh and natural ingredients, this homemade ketchup is a healthier and much tastier alternative to store-bought versions. We invite you to discover this recipe that combines the sweetness of peppers with the acidity of tomatoes, creating a perfect sauce for various dishes.

Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Number of servings: 10 jars of 400 g

Essential ingredients

- 5 kg red bell peppers and/or sweet peppers
- 4 kg tomatoes
- 3 kg onions
- 10 red pepperoni
- 2 packets of Pikant Fix (spicy or sweet-and-sour, to taste)
- 800 g sugar
- 1 liter oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 2-3 tablespoons salt
- Optional: 200 ml vinegar (for a tangier taste)
- A few celery leaves
- Spices: thyme, pepper, bay leaves

Ingredient details

Bell peppers and sweet peppers are the best choices for this recipe due to their natural sweetness. Tomatoes add acidity and a pleasant consistency, so make sure they are well-ripened. Onions, besides adding a special flavor, also contribute to a creamier ketchup. Sugar helps balance the acidity from the tomatoes, while the spices provide an extra flavor kick.

Step 1: Preparing the peppers

1. Wash the peppers: Remove the seeds and cut them into large pieces.
2. Sauté the peppers: In a pot, add 0.5 liters of oil and sauté the peppers over low heat. Let them soften for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. This step is essential to extract all the sweetness from the peppers.

Step 2: Preparing the onions

1. Peel and cut the onions: Cut the onions into large pieces.
2. Sauté the onions: In the same pot, add another 0.5 liters of oil and sauté the onions over low heat, just like the peppers, for about 30 minutes. Caramelized onions will add a deep flavor to the ketchup.

Step 3: Cooking the tomatoes

1. Wash the tomatoes: Cut them into large pieces.
2. Boil the tomatoes: Place the tomatoes in a pot over low heat, without adding water. Let them simmer for 30 minutes, adding tied celery leaves, which you will remove later.

Step 4: Blending the ingredients

1. Cool the mixture: Allow the mixture of peppers, onions, and tomatoes to cool slightly.
2. Blend: Use a blender to puree the peppers, onions, and tomatoes until you achieve a smooth paste. It is important that no large pieces remain for a uniform texture.

Step 5: Boiling the ketchup

1. Combine the ingredients: In a large pot, place the mixture of peppers and onions, then add the blended tomatoes.
2. Add sugar and spices: Add the sugar, salt, the two packets of Pikant Fix, thyme, pepper, and bay leaves. Mix well.
3. Simmer over low heat: Let the ketchup simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. You can use a heat diffuser under the pot to distribute the heat evenly.

Step 6: Bottling

1. Prepare the jars: Wash the jars thoroughly and let them dry.
2. Heat the jars: Place the jars in a pot of water and heat them over low heat to prevent cracking.
3. Fill the jars: Using a large funnel, fill the jars with hot ketchup, leaving a little space at the top. Tighten the lids well.

Step 7: Sterilization

1. Sterilizing the jars: Place the jars in a bed of cushions and blankets, leaving them like that until the next day. This process helps preserve the ketchup and maintain its flavors.

Chef's tip

Tomato and pepper ketchup can be customized according to your taste. You can add herbs like basil or oregano, or experiment with different types of peppers for varied flavors. Additionally, for a spicier ketchup, you can add fresh chili peppers or chili flakes.

Delicious combinations

This homemade ketchup is perfect for serving with fries, burgers, or sandwiches, but can also be used as a base for sauces or marinades for meat. Also, a bottle of ketchup can make a delightful surprise as a gift, especially for those who appreciate homemade dishes.

Nutritional benefits

Tomato and pepper ketchup is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C from tomatoes and peppers, which helps strengthen the immune system. It also contains antioxidants that help combat free radicals in the body. Compared to store-bought ketchup, our recipe contains no preservatives or chemical additives, making it a much healthier choice.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of vegetables?
Yes, you can try adding carrots or zucchini for a different note.

2. What can I do with leftover ketchup?
You can use the ketchup as a base for soups or sauces, adding your favorite spices and ingredients.

3. How long does the ketchup last?
Ketchup can be stored in sterilized jars at room temperature for up to 1 year. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator.

Tomato and pepper ketchup is a simple yet flavorful recipe that is worth trying. Bringing together fresh and aromatic ingredients, this sauce will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy it with friends and family, and don't forget to share this wonderful recipe!

 Ingredients: 5 kg red bell peppers and/or sweet peppers, 4 kg tomatoes, 3 kg onions, 10 pieces of red pepperoni, 2 packets of spicy or sweet-sour seasoning, 800 g sugar, 1 liter oil, 2-3 tablespoons salt, optional 200 ml vinegar, a few celery leaves, thyme, pepper, bay leaves.