Ketchup Panacris 2

Ketchup Panacris – A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 10-12 bottles (approximately 1.5 liters)

Welcome to the world of homemade ketchup! Today, I will share with you a ketchup recipe that not only aims to be a delicious alternative to store-bought products but is also a wonderful way to preserve the flavors of summer all year round. This recipe is inspired by culinary traditions and adapted to bring a fresh taste, full of vegetables and aromatic spices. Let's get started!

Ingredients

- 2 kg garden tomatoes
- 2 kg bell peppers
- 4 white onions
- 2 red onions
- 4 carrots
- 4 Jonathan apples (or any other type of sweet apples)
- 4 tablespoons non-iodized salt
- 2 cups wine vinegar (approximately 350 ml)
- 500 ml sunflower oil
- Spices:
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Bay leaves
- Freshly ground pepper
- Allspice berries
- Ground coriander

A Brief History of Ketchup

Ketchup has a fascinating history, with its origins being hard to trace. Over time, it has evolved from an Asian fish sauce to the sweet and tangy condiment we know today. In this sense, our recipe is a modern reinterpretation that combines fresh ingredients with traditional preparation techniques.

Step-by-Step Guide to Delicious Ketchup

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Start by thoroughly washing all the vegetables and apples. Peel the onions, carrots, and apples, then chop them finely. If you have a food processor, it will speed up the process.

2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the white and red onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and slightly caramelized. This step will enhance the flavors and add natural sweetness to the ketchup.

3. Preparing the Tomatoes:
Meanwhile, prepare the tomatoes. If you don’t have a tomato strainer, you can use a blender, but you’ll need to strain the mixture to remove the skins and seeds. Add the resulting tomato juice to the pot with the sautéed vegetables.

4. Boiling the Mixture:
Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered over low heat for about 15 minutes. This will help concentrate the flavors and meld the ingredients together.

5. Adding the Spices:
After 15 minutes, add salt, vinegar, sugar (if you prefer a sweeter ketchup), thyme, oregano, bay leaves, and allspice berries. Let it simmer for another 15 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.

6. Blending:
Remove the bay leaves and allspice berries, then use a blender to achieve a smooth ketchup. Make sure the mixture is not too hot when blending to avoid accidents.

7. Bottling:
Pour the hot ketchup into clean, dry bottles. It is recommended to sterilize them beforehand to prevent contamination. Label the bottles with the preparation date and name.

8. Preserving:
Cover the bottles with a thick blanket and let them cool to room temperature overnight. This preservation technique helps stabilize the ketchup and keeps it better.

Tips and Variations

- Spicy Version: Do you love spicy food? Add chopped fresh chili peppers or chili flakes during the cooking process for a spicier ketchup.
- Using Other Apples: Jonathan apples are fantastic, but you can experiment with other types of apples or even pears for a different flavor.
- Share the Recipe: This ketchup pairs perfectly with fries, burgers, or as a dip for various appetizers. It can also make a wonderful gift for loved ones!

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This homemade ketchup recipe is much healthier than store-bought versions, containing a high amount of fresh vegetables and no added preservatives. Approximately 100g of ketchup contains around 80-100 calories, depending on the amount of sugar used. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and carrots provide a good supply of vitamins A and C.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use canned tomatoes?: Yes, but the taste will be different. Fresh tomatoes provide superior flavor and texture.
- How can I store ketchup for a longer time?: Ensure the bottles are well sterilized and keep the ketchup in the refrigerator after opening.
- What can I do with leftover ketchup?: Use it as a base for sauces, marinades, or even in salad dressings.

Ketchup Panacris is more than just a condiment; it’s a true explosion of flavors that will turn any meal into a memorable experience. I hope this recipe inspires you to explore cooking at home and add a touch of summer’s flavor to your dishes! Happy cooking!