Sweet sauce

Homemade Sweet Sauce: Delicious and Flavorful Ketchup

Homemade ketchup has become an essential ingredient in many families' kitchens, bringing a sense of familiarity and comfort to every meal. This ketchup recipe is based on bell peppers, an ingredient with a crunchy texture and sweet taste, perfect for creating a rich and savory sauce. Making ketchup at home is not only a great way to control the ingredients but also to add a touch of creativity to your cooking. I invite you to discover with me the necessary steps to achieve a delicious ketchup that will surely become a family favorite.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Active preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 8 jars of 300 ml

Ingredients:
- 1 liter of broth (or tomato juice for a more intense flavor)
- 500 g sugar
- 200 ml oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 100 ml vinegar (wine or balsamic, depending on preferences)
- 2 kg bell peppers (sliced)
- 3 tablespoons mustard (for extra flavor)
- Salt (to taste)

Helpful tip: Make sure the bell peppers are fresh and well-ripened, as they will influence the final flavor of the ketchup.

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the bell peppers well. You can cut them into thin slices or cubes, depending on the desired texture of the final ketchup. It’s important to use only quality peppers, as they will enhance the sauce's flavor.

Step 2: Cooking the ingredients
In a large pot, add the broth, sliced bell peppers, sugar, oil, salt, and mustard. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Boiling
When the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer on low. Cooking should last about 30-40 minutes, until the peppers become soft and the sauce thickens. Don’t forget to stir frequently!

Step 4: Adding vinegar
Once the peppers are cooked and the sauce has begun to thicken, add the vinegar. Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes, during which the flavors will combine perfectly.

Step 5: Blending and preserving
After the sauce has boiled, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until you achieve a smooth texture. If you prefer a thicker ketchup, you can skip this step. Then, pour the hot ketchup into sterilized jars. Make sure to leave a little space at the top of the jar for expansion.

Step 6: Preserving the ketchup
Seal the jars with lids and place them in a cool, dark place to cool completely. You can store the ketchup in the pantry or even in the refrigerator, where it will last for several months.

Personalized variant: If you want to experiment, you can add extra spices such as garlic powder, onion, or even chili for a spicy ketchup.

Nutritional benefits: Homemade ketchup is a good source of vegetable vitamins, especially vitamin C from bell peppers. Additionally, controlling the amount of sugar and oil allows you to adapt the recipe to your family's nutritional needs.

Final tip: Serve this delicious ketchup alongside french fries, homemade burgers, or grilled dishes. It is also an excellent accompaniment for sandwiches or fresh vegetables.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other vegetables instead of bell peppers?
Yes, you can experiment with tomatoes or even carrots, but the taste of the ketchup will vary significantly.
2. How can I sweeten the ketchup without sugar?
You can use honey or maple syrup as a sugar alternative, just be sure to adjust the liquid quantity in the recipe.

Delicious combinations: This homemade ketchup pairs perfectly with a garlic yogurt sauce or fresh salads. You can also use it as a base for pizza or in various marinades for meat.

Now that you have all this information, all that's left is to get cooking! Enjoy the aroma and flavor of homemade ketchup, a simple recipe that will bring a smile to the faces of all your loved ones.