Ketchup with apples

Homemade Apple Ketchup: An Explosion of Flavors and Nostalgia

Who doesn't love a delicious ketchup that enhances every meal? Whether it's with fries, juicy burgers, or even a slice of toast, ketchup holds a special place in the hearts of many of us. So today, I invite you to discover with me the recipe for homemade apple ketchup, a delicious and easy-to-make sauce that will bring a touch of sweetness and freshness to your culinary life.

The history of ketchup is fascinating and full of twists and turns. Although most people associate ketchup with tomatoes, its origins lie in fermented fish sauces from Asia. Over time, the recipe transformed and evolved, reaching the form we know today, with tomatoes as the main ingredient. So let’s return to its roots and be inspired by this unique version, apple ketchup.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 3 bottles of 750 ml

Necessary ingredients:

- 3 kg ripe tomatoes (choose quality tomatoes for a tastier ketchup)
- 1 kg onion (preferably white or yellow onions for sweetness)
- 4-5 apples (sweet apples, like those from the Golden Delicious variety, are ideal)
- 200 ml olive oil (or another vegetable oil)
- 4-5 garlic cloves (for a more intense flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of herbs de Provence (for an extra flavor boost)
- 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika (this will add color and a pleasant taste)
- Sugar (to taste; helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- Non-iodized salt (to preserve the natural flavor of the ingredients)
- Pepper (optional, for a slight kick)

Step-by-step preparation of apple ketchup:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the tomatoes well and cutting them into large pieces. Peel and julienne the onion, and after peeling, cut the apples into small cubes. Lightly crush the garlic with a knife.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion along with a pinch of salt and sauté for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

3. Adding the main ingredients: Once the onion is sautéed, add the tomato juice (you can use blended fresh tomatoes or store-bought tomato juice, but fresh is preferred), the apple cubes, crushed garlic, herbs de Provence, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.

4. Boiling the mixture: Let the mixture simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by half. This process can take about 30-40 minutes, and the aroma will be truly enticing!

5. Blending: Once the mixture has reduced, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, use an immersion blender to turn everything into a smooth paste. If you prefer a thicker ketchup, you can leave it slightly chunky.

6. Adjusting the taste: After achieving the desired consistency, adjust the taste with salt and sugar according to your preferences. If you want a sweeter ketchup, gradually add sugar until you reach the desired flavor.

7. Final boiling: Put the mixture back on the heat, letting it boil for about 10 minutes. This step ensures the flavors are well combined and provides better safety for preservation.

8. Bottling: Once the ketchup is ready, let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, carefully pour it into sterilized bottles, leaving a little space at the top.

9. Sterilization: Cover the bottles with lids and sterilize them in a pot of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. After this step, remove them and let them cool under blankets to create a vacuum, ensuring better preservation.

Practical tips:

- Use ripe, aromatic tomatoes for an authentic ketchup flavor.
- Apples add natural sweetness, but you can experiment with different varieties for a unique flavor.
- If you want to add a touch of heat, you can incorporate finely chopped hot pepper during the boiling stage.
- This ketchup keeps well in the fridge for a few months, but be sure to check that the bottles are sealed.

Nutritional values (per 100g):

- Calories: Approximately 50
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 1g

Apple ketchup pairs perfectly with various dishes. It is ideal for serving alongside fries but can also be used as a sauce for burgers or sandwiches. Additionally, you can add it to marinade recipes for meat or fish, giving them a unique flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with pears or peaches, but make sure they are ripe to achieve a tasty ketchup.

2. How can I make the ketchup spicier?
Add fresh hot peppers or chili flakes to the mixture, depending on your preferences.

3. Can I store the ketchup long-term?
Yes, if you follow the sterilization steps correctly, the ketchup will keep well in sealed bottles.

This apple ketchup recipe not only offers a delicious and healthy alternative to store-bought products but also brings a touch of childhood memories, when sauces were lovingly made in grandma's kitchens. So, don’t hesitate to try this simple and quick recipe! You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make homemade ketchup and how much you’ll delight your loved ones. Enjoy!