Make your own ketchup at home with this easy recipe; you'll never ever buy it again

Ketchup or Tomato sauce is a beloved ingredient and is found in almost every household. Its iconic tangy-sweet flavor has the power to elevate a wide range of dishes, from classic burgers and hot dogs to fries and meatloaf.

A staple in many pantries, ketchup serves as a versatile and comforting addition to family meals, embodying a universal taste that transcends borders and generations. Its presence in our homes reflects not only its culinary appeal but also its status as a timeless culinary companion that we can't imagine living without. 

Artificial store bought ketchups are health hazards

However, according to Nutritionist Richa Gangani, tomato ketchups available in the stores often contain chemicals and preservatives, serving primarily to enhance its flavor. It is also typically loaded with substantial amounts of sugar, salt, fructose, preservatives, and corn syrup, which have ill effects on the body. 

So, it is better to make this healthy tomato ketchup at home itself. Here’s what you need. 

Ingredients to make ketchup at home: 

1 kg Desi tomatoes 
1 Beetroot
2 Red chillies
Black salt 
Salt 
Kashmiri red chilli powder 
1 Onion 
1 inch Ginger 
8-10 Garlic cloves 
1 bay leaf, 1 inch cinnamon stick, 12 black peppercorns, 4 cloves

Recipe to make ketchup at home: 

• Add all ingredients in a pan or a kadhai (wok)
• Cover and cook on a medium flame until it’s mushy
• Let it cool down completely
• Take out the bay leaf and cinnamon
• Then blend into a fine paste
• Strain it for smoother consistency
• Now transfer it to a pan and cook on low flame. Keep stirring
• Add 1/4 cup jaggery or mishri (rock sugar)
• 1/8 cup apple cider vinegar to increase its shelf life
• Cook for 15-20 minutes until it’s thicker. Keep stirring 

You can store it in a jar for a month. Keeping it in the refrigerator is advised. 

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