If you love ketchup but want to know exactly what goes into it, this easy homemade ketchup recipe is a simple place to start.
Made with ripe, fresh tomatoes, a little vinegar, herbs, spices, and just half a teaspoon of brown sugar, this homemade version has a fresh tomato flavor with a subtle smoky note.
This simple homemade ketchup is especially useful when you have ripe tomatoes that need to be used.
It is also a lovely way to introduce more real, homemade ingredients into everyday meals and can be part of a balanced approach to healthy food for kids.
Unlike many complicated ketchup recipes, this one requires only a few basic steps: blanch the tomatoes, remove the skins, blend, simmer, and season.
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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Ketchup Recipe
There is something satisfying about making a condiment from scratch. You start with fresh tomatoes and turn them into a smooth, flavorful ketchup with ingredients you can recognize.
Here are a few reasons to try this homemade ketchup recipe:
- It is simple and easy to prepare.
- It uses fresh tomatoes as the main ingredient.
- You can adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- A small amount of brown sugar adds just a touch of sweetness.
- Smoked paprika gives the ketchup a delicious depth of flavor.
- You can make a small batch instead of keeping a large bottle in the refrigerator.
- It is a practical addition to homemade meals and snacks.
- You know exactly what you put into it.
Most importantly, this is a real homemade recipe. There is no need to make it complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 ripe tomatoes: The riper, the better. Ripe tomatoes give a naturally sweeter, richer ketchup.
- 1 tablespoon vinegar: Gives the tangy taste that makes tomato ketchup taste like ketchup.
- Brown sugar: Just ½ teaspoon to soften the acidity.
- Smoked paprika: My favorite touch. It adds a gentle, smoky warmth.
- Dried oregano and thyme: Crushed, for a light herby note.
- Onion powder and garlic powder: A pinch of each, for background flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
How to Make Ketchup at Home
1. Blanch the tomatoes
Wash the ripe tomatoes well.
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Carefully add the tomatoes and blanch them for about 4 minutes.
Blanching makes the skins much easier to remove.
2. Remove the tomato skins
Take the tomatoes out of the hot water and allow them to cool enough to handle.
Peel away the skins. You don’t need to worry about making them perfectly smooth at this stage because they will be blended shortly.
3. Blend the tomatoes
Place the peeled tomatoes in a blender.
Blend for approximately 10 seconds, or until the tomatoes become a smooth tomato mixture.
You can blend slightly longer if you prefer a smoother ketchup.
4. Strain
Pour the mixture through a large sieve to remove the seeds. What’s left is a smooth tomato paste.
5. Simmer the tomato mixture
Transfer the blended tomatoes to a smaller pot.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
This helps concentrate the tomato flavor and gives the ketchup a thicker consistency.
6. Add the seasonings
Now comes the fun part.
Add:
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- Salt
- Crushed oregano
- Thyme
- A little smoked paprika
- Black pepper
- A pinch of onion powder
- A pinch of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
Stir everything together and allow the ketchup to simmer gently for another 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together and the excess water to evaporate.
7. Taste and adjust
Taste your ketchup before removing it from the heat.
This is where you can make the recipe your own.
If you prefer a slightly sweeter ketchup, add a little more brown sugar. For more acidity, you can add a small amount of vinegar. If you love smoky flavors like I do, add a little more smoked paprika.
The goal is a balanced combination of sweet, tangy, savory, and slightly smoky flavors.
My Favorite Ingredient: Smoked Paprika
The ingredient that makes this homemade ketchup a little different is smoked paprika.
I added it because I love the flavor. You only need a small amount to give the ketchup a subtle smoky character without overpowering the fresh tomato flavor.
If you prefer a more traditional tomato ketchup flavor, simply use less smoked paprika or leave it out completely.
What Does Homemade Ketchup with Fresh Tomatoes Taste Like?
This homemade tomato ketchup tastes fresher and more tomato-forward than the typical bottled ketchup.
The ripe tomatoes provide the main flavor, while vinegar gives it tanginess. The brown sugar adds a small amount of sweetness, and the oregano, thyme, garlic, onion, pepper, and smoked paprika add savory depth.
Because you are making it yourself, you can adjust the balance according to your taste.
Want it sweeter? Add a little more sugar.
Want it tangier? Add a little more vinegar.
Want it smokier? Add another small pinch of smoked paprika.
That’s one of the best things about making ketchup at home.
A Simple Homemade Ketchup for Kids
If you’re looking for ideas for healthy food for kids, homemade condiments can be a useful way to have more control over the ingredients in everyday meals.
This recipe contains a small amount of brown sugar rather than relying on a very sweet flavor profile.
However, ketchup is still a condiment, so it is best served as part of a balanced meal rather than treated as a main source of nutrition.
You can serve a little homemade ketchup alongside:
- Homemade potato wedges
- Roasted vegetables
- Bean burgers
- Vegetable fritters
- Homemade veggie nuggets
- Baked potatoes
- Sandwiches
- Toast
- Homemade wraps
It can be particularly handy for children who enjoy dipping foods.
How to Make This Tomato Ketchup Your Own
The basic recipe is intentionally simple, but there are several ways you can adjust it.
For a sweeter ketchup
Add a little more brown sugar, gradually, until you reach the flavor you prefer.
For a tangier ketchup
Add a little more vinegar.
For a smoky ketchup
Increase the amount of smoked paprika slightly.
For a more herbal flavor
Add a little extra oregano or thyme.
For a smoother ketchup
Blend the tomatoes thoroughly before simmering.
You could also pass the cooked mixture through a fine sieve if you want an exceptionally smooth texture.
What to Serve with Homemade Ketchup
This tomato ketchup recipe is versatile enough to use with many everyday foods.
Try it with:
- Crispy homemade potatoes
- Oven-baked fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Vegetable burgers
- Bean burgers
- Grilled vegetables
- Sandwiches and wraps
- Homemade savory pancakes
- Baked potato wedges
- Vegetable fritters
It is also useful when you want a quick homemade dipping sauce without having to prepare something complicated.
Homemade Ketchup vs. Store-Bought Ketchup
Making ketchup at home gives you control over the ingredients and flavor.
You can decide how sweet, tangy, smoky, or herby you want it to be. You also start with real fresh tomatoes rather than opening a bottle of prepared sauce.
That doesn’t mean homemade ketchup needs to replace every store-bought condiment. Sometimes convenience is useful. But when you have a few ripe tomatoes available and a little time, making your own can be a simple kitchen project.
And once you make it yourself, you may discover that ketchup doesn’t need a long ingredient list to taste delicious.
Storage
Because this is a fresh homemade recipe and has not been developed or tested as a shelf-stable canning recipe, treat it as a refrigerator condiment.
Transfer the cooled ketchup to a clean, covered container and keep it refrigerated.
Do not store this homemade ketchup at room temperature or use this recipe as a canning recipe.
The amount of vinegar and the cooking method in a homemade recipe should not be assumed to make a condiment safe for shelf storage. Tested canning recipes use specific formulations and processing procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use very ripe tomatoes?
Yes. Very ripe tomatoes work particularly well because they provide plenty of natural tomato flavor and sweetness.
Just remove any damaged or spoiled parts before using the tomatoes.
Can I make this homemade ketchup without sugar?
Yes. You can leave out the brown sugar if you prefer. Keep in mind that the flavor will be more acidic and less sweet.
You can also start with less sugar and adjust the flavor after adding the vinegar and seasonings.
Can I leave out the smoked paprika?
Absolutely. Smoked paprika is my personal addition because I love its flavor, but it isn’t essential.
The ketchup will still taste delicious with the tomato, vinegar, herbs, garlic, onion, and pepper.
Can I use different herbs?
Yes. Oregano and thyme work well here, but you can adjust the herbs according to your taste.
Is homemade ketchup healthy?
Homemade ketchup can be a simple way to make a condiment using fresh tomatoes and ingredients you choose yourself. However, ketchup is still a condiment rather than a major source of nutrition, so it is best enjoyed as part of an overall balanced diet.
Can children eat homemade ketchup?
This recipe can be served as a condiment with family meals. For younger children, consider their individual dietary needs and preferences, and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Making ketchup with fresh tomatoes doesn’t have to be complicated.
With a handful of ripe tomatoes, a little vinegar, a few herbs and spices, and a touch of brown sugar, you can make a simple homemade ketchup with a fresh, savory flavor.
I especially love the small amount of smoked paprika in this recipe. It adds something a little different while allowing the fresh tomato flavor to remain the star.
If you have fresh tomatoes waiting in your kitchen, this easy homemade ketchup recipe is a simple way to turn them into something delicious that the whole family can enjoy.
Easy Homemade Ketchup with Fresh Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 8 ripe tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Crushed oregano to taste
- Thyme to taste
- Smoked paprika to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Pinch of onion powder
- Pinch of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Wash and blanch the tomatoes for 4 minutes.
- Remove the tomatoes and peel off the skins.
- Blend the peeled tomatoes for approximately 10 seconds.
- Pour the mixture through a large sieve to remove the seeds. What's left is a smooth tomato paste.
- Transfer to a smaller pot and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add vinegar, salt, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and brown sugar.
- Stir everything together and simmer gently for another 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together and the excess water to evaporate.
- Allow to cool and refrigerate in a clean, covered container.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated. This recipe has not been tested for shelf-stable canning.
