SPICY KETCHUP

Delicious Spicy Ketchup Recipe

Who doesn’t love a delicious ketchup sauce that complements meals on warm summer days or transforms every meal into an unforgettable culinary experience? This spicy ketchup recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the intense flavor of fresh tomatoes and peppers, especially when they come from their own garden. With a smooth texture and rich aroma, our ketchup is sure to become a family favorite.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 1 hour
Number of servings: Approximately 10 jars of 400 g

Ingredients:
- 3 kg of meaty, sweet tomatoes
- 1.5 kg of bell peppers
- 2 large apples (preferably sweet)
- 1 head of garlic
- Salt and ground pepper (to taste)
- Thyme (to taste)
- Oregano (to taste)
- 150 g of sugar (the amount may vary depending on the sweetness of the tomatoes)
- 150 ml of oil (preferably olive or vegetable oil)
- 75 ml of vinegar (apple or white)
- 3 hot peppers (or more, depending on preference)

Preparation of spicy ketchup:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing all the vegetables well. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes, meaty bell peppers, and sweet apples. Properly cutting the ingredients is essential for even cooking. Remove seeds and stems from the peppers, and core the apples.

2. Cutting the vegetables: Cut the tomatoes, peppers, and apples into suitable pieces. Don’t worry about their shape, as they will be blended later.

3. Vegetable paste: Use a blender to puree all the chopped ingredients. This will become the base of your ketchup. Make sure to achieve a smooth paste, without large chunks.

4. Cooking the paste: Transfer the paste to a large pot and place it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Let the sauce reduce well until it thickens and becomes more concentrated. This process can take between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the moisture content of your tomatoes.

5. Adding flavors: About 10-15 minutes before removing the ketchup from the heat, add the crushed garlic and finely chopped hot pepper. These ingredients will enhance the sauce's flavor. Stir well to incorporate them.

6. Straining the sauce: Once the ketchup has boiled and concentrated, let it cool slightly, then pass it through a fine sieve to achieve a smooth texture. This is the stage where your ketchup truly becomes special.

7. Seasoning: Season the resulting sauce with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Don’t forget to adjust these spices to your taste! Add the vinegar, oil, and sugar. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

8. Final boiling: Put the ketchup back on the heat and let it boil until it reaches the desired consistency. It should be thick and rich, but not overly viscous.

9. Bottling: Once the ketchup is ready, carefully pour it into sterilized and warmed jars. Make sure the jars are clean to prevent contamination.

10. Cooling: Seal the jars and cover them with a thick blanket to cool slowly. This method helps preserve the flavors and create a vacuum. Leave them like this until the next day, after which you can store them in the pantry.

Nutritional benefits:
Homemade ketchup is a healthy alternative to store-bought products, often full of preservatives and added sugars. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and minerals. Bell peppers provide vitamin A and C, while apples add natural sweetness and fiber. This spicy ketchup can be enjoyed both as a sauce and as an ingredient in various recipes.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add spices like cinnamon or cloves for a more exotic flavor. You can also replace the hot pepper with spicy sauces to achieve a different taste. Another option is to use cherry tomatoes for a sweeter ketchup.

Serving:
Spicy ketchup is ideal for serving alongside French fries, homemade burgers, or grilled vegetables. It can also be a perfect condiment for pizza or meat dishes. You might try adding it to sauces for marinades or dressings.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Of course! Sugar helps balance acidity, but you can adjust the amount according to your preferences.

2. How can I keep the ketchup longer?
Make sure the jars are properly sterilized and sealed airtight. Also, store the ketchup in a cool, dark place.

3. Can ketchup be frozen?
Yes, ketchup can be frozen. Use airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.

This spicy ketchup recipe is not only simple but also an excellent way to use fresh tomatoes and peppers from the garden. With every spoonful, you will taste the flavor of summer and the hard work put into the garden. So, get ready to surprise your family and friends with this homemade ketchup, full of flavors and nostalgia!