QUICK HOMEMADE KETCHUP – EASY AND FLAVORFUL

If you missed making homemade ketchup during summer, this quick version using canned tomatoes is a simple and fast alternative. Perfectly balanced with sherry vinegar and Chinese five-spice for a unique twist.

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min

🍳 Cook Time: 15 min
🍽️ Yields: About 150 ml jar

Ingredients

1 can tomatoes (450 g)
1/2 onion, chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste (rasa)
50 ml sherry vinegar (or 35 ml red wine vinegar)
50 g sugar (can be brown)
1/2 tsp sweet paprika
A pinch of chili powder (optional for heat)
1/4 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
2 tbsp oil
Salt, to taste

Instructions

Heat oil in a pan and sauté chopped onion until very soft, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, gently heat vinegar and sugar over low heat until sugar dissolves completely, then simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Blend canned tomatoes with their juice until smooth.
Add blended tomatoes, paprika, Chinese five-spice, and the vinegar-sugar mixture to the sautéed onions. Season with salt.
Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until sauce reduces slightly.
Strain sauce through a fine sieve back into the pan. Stir in tomato paste and simmer gently for another 5 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust salt.
Let ketchup cool, then store in the refrigerator.

💡 Tips

Use good quality canned tomatoes for best flavor.
Adjust sweetness and heat to your liking.
The Chinese five-spice adds a subtle aromatic depth.
Keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

🎉 Perfect For

Homemade condiments
Burgers, fries, and sandwiches
Quick sauce preparation
Unique flavored ketchup

📝 Final Thoughts

This quick homemade ketchup is a delicious, versatile sauce with a balanced sweet, tangy, and mildly spiced flavor. Easy to prepare anytime with pantry staples and a touch of creativity.