How to Make Spicy Tomato and Horseradish Ketchup
Ingredients for Homemade Ketchup
- 2 kg slightly over-ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped (I remove the skins by roasting at 100 c for 1/2 an hour)
- 2 small white onions, peeled and finely diced
- 1 large cooking apple, peeled and finely diced
- Big knob of fresh horseradish, peeled and finely chopped
- Big knob of ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- Few cloves of garlic, peeled
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 6 cloves
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp celery seeds
- 1 tbsp flaky sea salt or small tsp fine sea salt
- Few splashes of Tabasco sauce
- 250 ml vinegar, divided
- 250 g sugar
Preparing the Tomatoes and Vegetables
Start by chopping the tomatoes, onions, and apple. Toss them into a large, heavy-based saucepan. Add finely chopped horseradish, ginger, garlic.
All the spices like cloves, mustard seeds, cinnamon stick, and celery seeds I put in a spice bad and simmer in the liquid.
( I pre roads the tomatoes, and remove the skins, it makes it easier when siving and removing all the bits, ) and to double make sure that the ketchup is smooth, I put the sived mixture through my vita mix, or if you have a soup blender that will work also.
Cooking and Simmering the Ketchup Base
Pour in half of the vinegar and leave the sugar aside for now. Simmer this mixture slowly for about an hour, stirring occasionally and breaking down the tomatoes as they cook. The smell will be irresistible by now!
Adding the Final Ingredients
Once everything has simmered and softened, pass the mixture through a sieve into a clean saucepan. Discard any leftover debris, and return the smooth mixture to the stove.
Straining and Thickening the Ketchup
Now, add the remaining vinegar and sugar. Let this cook gently for another 30-40 minutes until the ketchup thickens to your desired consistency. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Storage Tips for Homemade Ketchup
Let the ketchup cool completely before transferring it to jars. Store it in the fridge, where it will last up to a month.
How to Adjust the Spice Level
If you want a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Tabasco sauce. You can even omit it altogether if you prefer a tangier, less spicy ketchup.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy ketchup is the perfect match for chips!!!!!! Get creative with it!
Conclusion
With its bold flavor and tangy kick, this homemade ketchup is perfect for those who love experimenting with sauces. Plus, it’s preservative-free, made from fresh ingredients, and easy to store!
FAQs
How can I make this recipe less spicy?
To tone down the spice, simply reduce or skip the Tabasco sauce. You can also increase the sugar slightly for a sweeter finish.
Can I use this ketchup in cooking or just as a condiment?
Absolutely! This ketchup works wonders as a marinade for meats, a base for sauces, or mixed into dips for an extra burst of flavor.
Is there a way to make this ketchup last longer than a month?
If you want to preserve it longer, consider canning the ketchup using proper sterilization techniques. This can extend its shelf life for several months.