You say catsup..........I say ketchup

the cast of characters

either way you spell or say it you know you can make your own.  Why would anyone want to do that you say.......one word TASTE.

1 6 oz. can of tomato paste

1/2 cup of vinegar  I used apple cider & rice wine

1/2 cup of sweetener I used brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt unless your paste has a hefty amount of sodium already

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon cumin

1 1/4 cups water   I started out with 1 cup

optional seasonings***

Combine all the ingredients, except for the optional seasonings, in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, and then reduce the heat to low.

Simmer the mixture gently, stirring frequently, for approximately thirty minutes, or until it thickens to the consistency of ketchup.

Taste and adjust the seasoning to balance out the flavors, adding a bit more of any of the flavor components according to your preferences. Add one or more of the optional seasonings, if desired.

Continue cooking for two to three more minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Let the ketchup cool.

there it is 24 oz of pure ketchup

Store ketchup in a covered container in the refrigerator.  Unless you have some preservatives hanging around in your pantry this will only keep no more than a month I'm thinking.

***Optional seasonings would be to your pleasure.  Spice it up with cayenne pepper, a smokey paprika, even some Middle Eastern spices. 

So when we are having that yummy grilled buffalo  burger in a few weeks my, my ketchup is gonna taste great.