Spicy ketchup

Homemade Spicy Ketchup – An Unforgettable Culinary Experience

In recent years, cooking at home has become a true art, and the spicy ketchup you will prepare today is living proof of this. This recipe will not only fill your pantry with a delicious sauce but will also bring you the satisfaction of creating something special, perfect to accompany any meal. Spicy ketchup has a fascinating history, evolving from simple sauces to complex flavor combinations, and the recipe I propose today is a perfect example of this transformation.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Servings: 3 jars of 500 g (approximately 1.5 kg)

Ingredients:
- 2 kg ripe tomatoes (choose well-ripened tomatoes for an intense flavor)
- 0.5 kg bell peppers
- 150 g apple (preferably a tart apple for a pleasant contrast)
- 250 g white onion
- 100 g celery
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 stick of cinnamon
- 100 g sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 30 ml vinegar
- 2 hot peppers (seedless for a milder taste or with seeds for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes
- 10 fresh basil leaves
- 1 aspirin (for preservation)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
- Wash all vegetables and the apple thoroughly. This step is essential to remove any impurities.
- Cut the tomatoes into quarters, removing the stem, then chop them into smaller pieces.
- Halve the bell peppers, removing the seeds and stem, then slice them into strips about 1 cm wide.
- Peel and chop the onion and celery, and peel and finely chop the apple.
- Peel the garlic and crush it with the blade of a knife.

2. Boiling the ingredients:
- In a non-stick pot, add all the prepared ingredients: tomatoes, peppers, onion, celery, apple, and garlic. Place over medium heat and let it boil for about 45 minutes until the celery is cooked.

3. Pureeing the sauce:
- Once the ingredients have boiled, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Use a blender to puree everything, achieving a smooth consistency.
- For an even more refined sauce, you can strain the mixture through a sieve, but this is optional.

4. Adding the spices:
- Put the sauce back on the heat and add the sugar (if you choose to use it), vinegar, sliced hot peppers, and chili flakes. Boil the sauce for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Final seasoning:
- Add the spices: salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and the stick of cinnamon. Let it boil for an hour, stirring occasionally.
- 30 minutes before turning off the heat, add the basil leaves and crushed aspirin. The latter helps preserve the sauce and gives it a pleasant texture.

6. Bottling the sauce:
- While the sauce is boiling, sterilize the jars in the oven by heating them at 100 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes.
- Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, pour it hot into the warm jars. Place a plastic wrap over the mouth of the jar and then seal them with a lid, wrapping them in a blanket to help with slow cooling.

Serving and combinations:
Spicy ketchup is perfect for accompanying meat dishes, fries, or even as a secret ingredient in various sauces. You can try using it in sandwiches, burgers, or as a base for marinades. It also pairs wonderfully with rice or grilled vegetables.

Sweet-Spicy Variation:
If you prefer a spicier ketchup, you can double the amount of chili flakes and reduce the sugar or omit it completely. This will provide an intense flavor and bring a touch of warmth to every bite.

Practical Tips:
- Taste the sauce during cooking to adjust the spices and sweetness.
- If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water or tomato juice to adjust its consistency.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add spices like sweet or smoked paprika.

Nutritional Benefits:
Homemade ketchup is a healthier option compared to commercial ones, as you control the ingredients used. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and hot peppers can boost metabolism. The apple adds a note of natural sweetness, and the basil contributes to a fresh and aromatic taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I replace the apple with another ingredient? Yes, you can use pears or even carrots for a different sweetness.
- How can I store the ketchup for a longer time? Make sure the jars are well sterilized and keep them in a dark, cool place.
- Is spicy ketchup suitable for children? You can adjust the heat level according to their preferences, starting with a small amount of hot pepper.

Now you are ready to start cooking and fill your pantry with this delicious spicy ketchup! Each jar will be a little treasure, ready to bring a burst of flavor to your meals. Enjoy!