How To: Make ketchup

Why use store-bought ketchup when you can whip up a healthier, tastier, and cheaper version at home? Watch this video to learn how to make ketchup.

You Will Need

* 1 28-ounce can of whole tomatoes in puree
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 tbsp vegetable oil
* 1 tbsp tomato paste
* 2/3-c dark brown sugar
* 1/2-c vinegar
* 1/2-tsp salt
* 1/2-tsp black pepper
* 1/4-tsp cinnamon
* 1/8-tsp cayenne pepper
* Green peppers, apples, mangoes, or jalapeno pepper

Step 1. Puree the tomatoes

Pour the can of tomatoes, along with their liquid, into a blender and mix until smooth.

Step 2. Cook an onion

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and cook the onion until it's soft, about eight minutes.

Step 3. Add remaining ingredients

Add the pureed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, vinegar, and spices. Simmer, uncovered, until very thick, about one hour, stirring occasionally.

Be especially vigilant about stirring towards the end, when the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 4. Puree the mixture

When the mixture has cooled down, pour it into the blender and puree it until smooth.

Step 5. Cover and refrigerate

Put the ketchup in a covered container and chill at least two hours before using.

Experiment with different flavors by throwing a couple of peeled and chopped green peppers, apples, or mangoes into the blender along with the tomatoes, or spicing up the recipe with a finely diced jalapeno pepper.

Step 6. Enjoy!

Enjoy your homemade ketchup! You'll have about a pint. It will stay good in the fridge for up to three weeks. You also can freeze it.

FACT: Heinz ketchup was introduced in 1876 as a "blessed relief for Mother and other women in the household."