Recipe - Just Like Store-Bought Ketchup

I've made my own ketchup in the past.   Honestly, though, it wasn't up to par by my standards.  It tasted more like a sweet chili sauce.  My husband liked it, but it didn't pass the kid test.  For a while after I had made it, my kids would ask, "is this the homemade ketchup?" in a whining tone, indicating that the homemade ketchup was precisely not what they wanted.  My daughter, four at the time, even insisted that I not buy the homemade kind anymore.  Funny.

This recipe is adapted from a copycat recipe I found.  It tastes delicious and store-bought.   The original recipe called for corn syrup which I'm sure caused the consistency to be similar to the popular brands, but I've found that we're quite happy using sugar.  We also use sea salt and add a bit more water than the original recipe


Just Like Store-Bought Ketchup

Ingredients:

2 6 oz. cans tomato paste 
1 cup white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup water - you can add more for a thinner consistency

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.  Whisk until smooth.  Put pan on medium heat and stir occasionally.  When mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat and lower burner to simmer.  Allow to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often.  If a thicker consistency is desired, simmer for additional time.  Remove pan from heat and cool.  Once cool, transfer to a container and refrigerate.

This recipe should make enough to fit into an recycled large ketchup bottle.

I think you will be very satisfied with this recipe.  I know my family likes it.

Enjoy!