Very spicy ketchup

Homemade Spicy Ketchup: A Fiery Flavor for Your Taste Buds

In a world where flavors blend and transform, homemade spicy ketchup becomes an essential condiment for lovers of spicy dishes. This recipe is not just a simple sauce; it is a culinary experience that will delight your senses and add a burst of flavor to every meal. With a perfect mix of chili peppers and fresh vegetables, this ketchup will surely become your favorite!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings: Approximately 1.5 liters

Basic ingredients:

- 2 kg red bell peppers
- 800 g chili peppers (choose your favorite varieties, but be mindful of the heat level)
- 800 g red onion
- 100 g garlic
- 100 g salt
- 200 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 200 ml vinegar (white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are excellent options)

Making the spicy ketchup:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Wash the bell peppers and chili peppers well. Cut the bell peppers into 6-8 pieces, depending on their size, and remove the stem and seeds. The chili peppers can be halved, keeping the seeds if you want an even spicier ketchup. Peel the onion and garlic, then wash them to remove impurities.

2. Chopping the vegetables: Use a food processor to chop all the vegetables. If you don’t have a food processor, an alternative method is to pass them through a meat grinder. Make sure to achieve a uniform texture, but not too fine, to retain some consistency.

3. Preparing the base: In a large pot, add the vinegar, salt, and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly to ensure that the salt and sugar dissolve completely. This step is essential for obtaining a well-flavored ketchup.

4. Cooking the vegetables: Add the chopped vegetables to the pot, mixing everything together. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for one hour, stirring occasionally. This cooking time will allow the flavors to combine and concentrate.

5. Blending: Once the vegetables are well softened, let the mixture cool slightly, then use a blender to turn it into a paste. You should achieve a thick consistency that flows easily. If you prefer a chunky ketchup, you can skip this step.

6. Final boiling: Put the paste back on the heat, letting it boil for 15 minutes. This step will help thicken the ketchup and ensure better preservation.

7. Bottling: Prepare sterilized containers to store the ketchup. You can use glass jars or bottles with caps. Pour the hot ketchup into the containers, filling them almost to the top. Cover them with lids and wrap them in blankets to cool slowly until the next day.

Useful tips:

- Adjusting the heat: If you want a milder ketchup, reduce the amount of chili peppers or remove the seeds. You can experiment with different types of peppers to find the perfect combination for you.
- Labeling: Don’t forget to label the jars with the preparation date, so you know how long you have the ketchup available.
- Storage: Ketchup can be stored at room temperature if the containers are properly sterilized. Once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within a few months.

Nutritional benefits:

This homemade ketchup contains no preservatives or additives, making it a healthy alternative to commercial products. Chili peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while garlic has anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, sugar and salt can be adjusted, providing a condiment that fits any diet.

Possible variations:

- Fruit ketchup: You can add an apple or a pear to achieve a sweet note and a more complex flavor.
- Flavoring: Experiment with various herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, or smoked paprika, to give your ketchup a personalized touch.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can the ketchup be thickened?: If you want a thicker ketchup, you can add a bit of cornstarch dissolved in cold water during the final boiling.
2. Can I use sweet peppers instead of hot peppers?: Absolutely! You can adjust the proportions according to your heat preferences, combining sweet peppers with hot ones.
3. How long does the ketchup last?: If properly sterilized, ketchup can last up to a year in the pantry. Once opened, keep it in the fridge.

Serving and combinations:

Homemade spicy ketchup is perfect for accompanying burgers, fries, hot dogs, or even grilled dishes. It can also be used as a base for more complex sauces or marinades. We recommend serving it alongside a pale beer or a spicy cocktail for an unforgettable culinary experience!

In conclusion, this homemade spicy ketchup recipe promises to bring a splash of adventure to every meal. Whether you prepare it for yourself or give it as a gift to loved ones, you will truly feel the satisfaction of creating something delicious and unique. So, gather your ingredients, put a smile on your face, and let’s get cooking! Enjoy your meal!