Easy Tomato Ketchup

• Canned tomatoes: I use a can of chopped tomatoes for this quick and easy recipe, but using fresh tomatoes like Roma tomatoes would also be so delicious! You just want to make sure you pick soft, ripe tomatoes instead of firm.
• Medjool dates: Using dates as the sweetener for this recipe is a great option because it makes the ketchup thick and delicious and just the right amount of sweetness. If you aren’t vegan or Whole30, you can also use honey. 
• Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is my first choice because it adds a tangy, fruity flavor to enhance the ketchup, but you can use white vinegar or white wine vinegar instead.
• Seasonings: I use a simple combination of smoked paprika, cumin, and salt because the best homemade ketchup is simple and uncomplicated. You can also use ground cloves, ground cinnamon, or black pepper for a bit of a different flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, sweet paprika will work wonderfully. 

You can find measurements listed in the recipe card below

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• -Cutting Board
• -Sharp Knife
• -Medium Saucepan
• -Wooden Spoon
• -High-speed blender or Immersion Blender
• -Glass Container or Glass Bottle

How To Make This Homemade Ketchup

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to low heat and leave to simmer for 25 minutes.
2. Remove from the stovetop and allow to cool slightly before transferring everything to a blender or food processor and blending until completely smooth.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning the final product if needed. Store in an airtight container

Ways To Modify This Recipe

• If you want to use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes you can definitely do so. I recommend using either Roma tomatoes of Beefsteak as they are nice and meaty. 
• Switch out the medjool dates for honey if you aren’t vegan. If using honey and you are Whole30 or Keto, simply use zero sugar honey for great results! You could also use coconut sugar or maple syrup as a sweetener too. 
• Use your favorite vinegar for a delicious tangy homemade ketchup. White wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, and regular white vinegar will all work wonderfully.
• If you want to adjust the seasonings, you surely can. A lot of people like to use ground cloves, ground cinnamon, ground black pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder for their homemade ketchup. You can also try a spicy ketchup and add cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a lovely zing!

Dietary Customizations

The biggest dietary adjustment for this simple recipe is using a different sweetener. I recommend honey as a great substitute, but maple syrup or coconut sugar will also work. 

Can I Make This Recipe in Advance

Making this ketchup in advance on meal prep day is so easy and convenient. You can make this about a week in advance and store it in an airtight container like a glass jar or glass bottle. Alternatively, if you love to pull out your canner, you can store it in sterilized canning jars in a cool and dark place for up to 6 months. 

Can I Make This Homemade Ketchup in the Slow Cooker

Making homemade ketchup in a slow cooker is a great way to get a deep, tangy flavor without much hands-on effort. Add all the ingredients into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for about 4-6 hours. Stir occasionally, but it’s not essential to do so often. After the cooking time, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to blend the mixture into a smooth ketchup. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer to a regular blender or food processor after allowing it to cool for a bit. Adjust seasoning as you see fit and cool before storing. 

Can I Make This Homemade Ketchup in the Instant Pot

Making homemade ketchup in the instant pot is so quick and easy! Add all of the ingredients into the instant pot and give it a nice stir. Close the lid and set to pressure cook on hight for 15 minutes. After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for about 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release to let out any remaining steam. Use an immersion blender to blend the ketchup in the Instant Pot until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Adjust the seasoning as needed, allow to cool to room temperature and store as directed. 

Allow to cool to room temperature before storing. Store these leftovers in your fridge in an airtight container like a glass jar or bottle for about 2-3 weeks or in freezer-safe containers or bag for about 3 months. Give it a good shake or stir when you’re ready to serve for next time. 

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