Homemade Ketchup: No Preservatives & Rich Flavor

Σπιτική Κέτσαπ Χωρίς Συντηρηρικά - homemade ketchup
Συνταγή / Recipe Εκτύπωση / Print

This Homemade Ketchup Will Make You Forget Store-Bought Forever

Once you try this homemade ketchup without preservatives, there’s no going back. It’s rich, naturally sweet, slightly tangy, and full of real tomato flavor—nothing like the processed versions.

Made with fresh tomatoes, sweet red peppers, and simple pantry ingredients, this ketchup develops a deep, balanced taste and velvety texture after slow cooking.

Perfect for burgers, fries, sandwiches, or everyday meals, this is one of those recipes that upgrades everything it touches.

Homemade Ketchup: No Preservatives & Rich Flavor
Pin
Print

Homemade Ketchup: No Preservatives & Rich Flavor

Recipe by George Zolis
5.0 from 1 vote
Course: SauceCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy
Servings

40

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 
Calories

35

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

This homemade ketchup without preservatives is rich, smooth, and full of natural tomato flavor. Easy to make and perfect for everyday use.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 2 kg 4.5 lb Ripe Tomatoes

  • 2 tsp 2 tsp Salt

  • 500 g 1.1 lb Sweet Red Peppers

  • 50 g 3.5 tbsp Olive Oil

  • 40 g 1/4 cup Sweet Paprika

  • 2 2 Onions

  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

  • 100 g 1/2 cup Brown sugar

  • 100 g 1/3 cup Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Vegetable oil, for sealing jars

How to make homemade Ketchup

  • Wash and remove the stems from the tomatoes.
  • Cut them into small pieces and place in a pot.
  • Place the pot over heat, add salt, and mix.
  • Cut the peppers into pieces and add them to the pot.
  • Cook on high heat for about 15 minutes until the tomatoes release their juices.
  • Remove from heat and blend using an immersion blender.
  • Strain the sauce through a sieve and return it to the pot.
  • Bring back to a boil.
  • Finely blend the onions and add them to the pot.
  • Add paprika, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix well.
  • Simmer for about 45 minutes until thickened to your desired consistency.
  • Transfer to sterilized jars.
  • Add a small amount of vegetable oil on top and seal with lids.
Instagram

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @georgezolis on Instagram and hashtag it with #georgezolis

Pinterest

Like this recipe?

Follow @gzoliskitchen on Pinterest

Facebook

Γίνετε μέλος της Ομάδας μας

Ακολουθήστε τις Μαγειρικές Απολαύσεις στο Facebook

This Is the Healthiest Ketchup You Can Make at Home

Most store-bought ketchup is loaded with:

  • preservatives
  • refined sugars
  • artificial flavors

This homemade version is different.

You control everything-fresh tomatoes, natural sweetness, and balanced acidity-resulting in a ketchup that is both healthier and more flavorful.

The Secret to That Deep, Rich Flavor

What makes this ketchup stand out is the combination of:

  • ripe tomatoes
  • roasted sweetness from peppers
  • slow cooking

As it simmers, the flavors concentrate, creating a sauce that is:

  • thick
  • smooth
  • intensely flavorful

The paprika adds warmth, while the vinegar balances the sweetness perfectly.

How to Get the Perfect Texture

The key step is straining the sauce.

This removes:

  • skins
  • seeds
  • fibers

giving you that silky, professional texture similar to store-bought ketchup—but much better in taste.

If you want it thicker, simply cook it longer.

How to Store Homemade Ketchup

To keep your ketchup fresh:

  • use sterilized jars
  • add a thin layer of oil on top
  • store in a cool, dark place

Once opened, keep it in the fridge.

Where to Use This Ketchup

This ketchup is perfect for:

  • burgers and sandwiches
  • fries and snacks
  • grilled meats
  • kids’ meals

It’s versatile, natural, and incredibly delicious.

Tags: