I often make cutlets as evening snacks for my kids. They have just one or two cutlets at a time. But, use a copious amount of ketchup to eat it. And of course, when they are bored, they sometimes reach out for ketchup and pour it in a bowl to just lick it with their fingers and eat away their boredom. While brands like Heinz are free of preservatives, most of them use Sodium Benzoate (INS211), Xanathum gum ( INS415), Sodium Alginate ( INS401) and other additives to preserve and maintain consistency. And when kids eat a lot of ketchup, you would want to look out for healthier alternatives that are relatively additive-free.
So, three weeks back, when tomatoes were available for just Rs.15 per Kg, I decided to make some tomato ketchup at home. Here are the step-by-step instructions for the same.
I used a 3-litre pressure cooker for making the ketchup with 2 kg of tomatoes. But, it was filled to the brim. If you have a 5-litre cooker, it would be better to use it. Also, opt for stainless steel or hard anodized pressure cookers and not aluminium. This is because aluminium will react with the acidity of the tomatoes and leach excessively. Also, avoid using new stainless steel Kadai as it may leach nickel and chromium. This almost stops after 10-15 uses.
We measured and used the ingredients to provide exact measurements for the recipe. However, depending on the ripeness of the tomatoes, the quantities may vary slightly.
As mentioned, we bought tomatoes for just Rs. 15 per kg to make the ketchup. At this price, it is far inexpensive making ketchup at home. Using 2 Kg tomatoes and other ingredients, we got around 1.25 Kg ketchup. Comparing it with the price of Heinz, it would cost at least Rs.300 for such a quality of store-bought ketchup. But, if you do not consume a lot of ketchup and a 500 ml bottle lasts for 3-4 months at your home, then, it may not necessarily be worth the hassle.
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Black pepper or garam masala not added?
Vinegar to be added last when mixture cools down and is of desired consistency.
Garam masala and pepper isn’t necessary for basic ketchup. You can add vinegar towards the end when boiling it. Before you switch off the gas ensure that it is of the desired consistency.