Spicy Ketchup

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Cook: 1-1/2 hours + chilling

Makes

1 cup

Updated: Oct. 31, 2023
When this homemade ketchup is bubbling on the stove, the aroma takes me back to childhood. One taste and I’m home again. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 pounds tomatoes (about 11 medium), coarsely chopped
  • 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches)
  • 3/4 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seed
  • 1/4 teaspoon whole allspice
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons Sriracha chili sauce, optional

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Stir in tomatoes; cook, uncovered, over medium heat 25-30 minutes or until tomatoes are softened.
  2. Press tomato mixture through a fine-mesh strainer; discard solids. Return mixture to pot; bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, until liquid is reduced to 1-1/2 cups, about 10 minutes.
  3. Place cinnamon, celery seed, mustard seed and allspice on a double thickness of cheesecloth. Gather corners of cloth to enclose spices; tie securely with string. Add to tomatoes. Stir in sugar and salt; return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 20-25 minutes or until thickened.
  4. Stir in vinegar, paprika and, if desired, chili sauce; bring to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, 10-15 minutes longer or until desired consistency is reached, stirring occasionally. Discard spice bag.
  5. Transfer to a covered container; cool slightly. Refrigerate until cold. Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

1 tablespoon: 46 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.