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I’m sure many of you are ketchup fans. Or, maybe even more are those who have children who love ketchup.
Unfortunately, the ketchup we buy from stores has in its composition a lot of substances intended to prolong its validity and preserve it as long as possible on the store shelves.
For this reason, once Sofia was born, I started to prepare my own homemade canned Thermomix ketchup, following an extremely easy and versatile recipe, which I also preserve in the pantry for a year.
Thus, for a year, we have the necessary reserve of ketchup to allow us to enjoy the taste, aroma and texture of this delicious sauce, without worrying that it might contain substances harmful to our health. I invite you to discover together how we can obtain this simple and easy tasty ingredient, in our own kitchen.
How to make canned homemade Thermomix ketchup?
As you probably already know, ketchup is an extremely versatile product, which can be found on the market in a variety of flavors, from sweet to spicy, or even containing different ingredients to make it different compared to the classic types already mentioned. Today I will show you how to achieve canned homemade Thermomix ketchup that you can preserve for a year and enjoy it all this time without problems, detailing two ketchup recipes: sweet or slightly spicy.
I cook the sweet one in larger quantities, because I use it especially in Sofia’s diet. The spicy one is my husband’s favorite, so a smaller amount of ketchup is enough for him.
But, let’s start with the most important aspect, namely the ingredients needed to make a delicious homemade Thermomix ketchup. Regardless of whether you choose to prepare the sweet or the spicy version of ketchup, the basic ingredients are the same: well-ripened tomatoes, kapia peppers (you can also use red peppers, but I prefer kapia peppers for their slightly sweet taste), onion, garlic, balsamic vinegar and your favorite spices.
If you want to prepare sweet ketchup, then you will add honey, because the final goal is to achieve a kids friendly homemade sugar free ketchup.
If you want to prepare spicy ketchup, you will add chili peppers together with the rest of the ingredients, and their quantity depends on the degree of spiciness you want to achieve in the end.
The preparation of this homemade sugar free ketchup is extremely simple because all you have to do is cook these ingredients together and, at the end, blend everything until you get a fine texture for this sauce.
I was inspired by a recipe on the Cookidoo platform, available for Thermomix owners, but you can get the same delicious final result using a large saucepan and a blender.
Moreover, following the steps that I will present you below, you can preserve this homemade Thermomix ketchup in bottles or glass jars for a year and consume it whenever you desire.
How can homemade Thermomix ketchup be canned?
To properly preserve this tomato homemade Thermomix ketchup for long term, i.e., for a year, I recommend that you follow a few simple steps, such as:
- Sterilization of bottles/jars and lids used to store ketchup;
- Correct cooking of the ingredients;
- Preserving ketchup using the bain-marie method, to ensure that it will not spoil over time.
Let’s take them one by one now…
- Sterilization of bottles/jars and lids required for homemade Thermomix ketchup
Regardless of whether you choose to use new bottles/jars or some already used, it is extremely important that they would be washed well, with dish-washing solution and then rinsed with hot water, until completely clear.
They will then be left to dry, after which they will be carefully placed in a tray, positioned with their mouth upwards. This rule is valid for both bottles/jars and their lids.
After that, heat the oven to 180o Celsius (356o Fahrenheit) and insert the tray with bottles/ jars into the preheated oven. Now, lower the oven temperature to 130o C -140o C (266o F -284o F) and leave the glass containers in the oven for about 30 minutes.
After that time, leave the tray in the oven until the oven cools down. It is safe to remove both the containers and the lids, and fill them with hot boiled homemade tomato Thermomix ketchup, even if they are still warm.
That’s all regarding the preparation of bottles/ jars and lids, or what we call the sterilization of glass containers and lids.
- Correct cooking of the ingredients
It is extremely important that the ingredients used to make this kids friendly homemade sugar free ketchup are cooked enough, because if we rush and don’t cook them as much as needed, we risk that our sauce will spoil over time.
Therefore, please carefully read the step-by-step and allocate the necessary time for the preparation of this canned homemade tomato Thermomix ketchup before starting the cooking process.
- Preservation of canned homemade ketchup using the bain-marie method
The third important step, which will be carried out at the end of the ketchup preservation process in bottles/ glass jars, is boiling them, using the Bain Marie method. This way, we sterilize the homemade tomato Thermomix ketchup inside the glass container, as well, making sure it will not spoil over time.
Thus, whether we are talking about glass jars or bottles, it is important that at the end, after filling the containers with the homemade sugar free ketchup, we close the lids well and place the containers in a pot or tray on the bottom of which we lie down a textile kitchen towel, to prevent the glass container from breaking on contact with hot metal.
Depending on our availability or the number of bottles/ glass jars we want to preserve, we have two Bain Marie sterilizing options: on the stove or in the oven.
In the case of the first option, using the Bain Marie method on the stove, we need a large, capacious saucepan or pot, on the bottom of which we will place a textile kitchen towel. Ideally, that textile material should also cover the side walls of the pot. Then, we place the bottles/ glass jars with the homemade Thermomix ketchup inside the pot, making sure that there are a few millimeters of empty space between the glass containers. Then, add water to the pot until it occupies approximately 3 cm of the height of the pot. Boil the canned homemade Thermomix ketchup bottles / jars in the pot at a low temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
If you have more containers, and your pot is not large enough to do the Bain Marie sterilization on the stove, I strongly recommend you to do this using the oven preheated at 120o C (248o F). Thus, using a metal tray for the oven, place a textile kitchen towel on its bottom and then place the glass containers in the tray.
As in the case of the first method, add water to the tray so that it occupies 1-2 cm of the height of the tray. It may be easier to pour water into the tray already placed in the oven, so you don’t risk dropping the tray due to the weight. Leave the tray in the preheated oven at 120o C (248o F) for 15-20 minutes. You can leave the tray in the oven until it cools completely and remove the bottles/ jars filled with homemade Thermomix ketchup at the end, if you think it’s easier.
So, if you follow these three simple rules, you will get a canned homemade Thermomix ketchup that will last without problems in the pantry, for a year after cooking.
Is homemade sugar free Thermomix Ketchup healthy?
Regardless of whether you choose to prepare sweet homemade tomato Thermomix ketchup or prefer the spicy version, canned homemade tomato Thermomix ketchup is a healthy version of the beloved sauce that you can buy in stores. The reasons are obvious: first of all, homemade Thermomix ketchup does not contain substances intended to allow it to be preserved in the long term at the high temperatures inside the stores, being composed only of natural ingredients, and secondly, it is prepared without adding sugar, that is, it is a kids friendly preparation. But let’s not forget that it is important both for children and for us to reduce sugar consumption as much as we can.
Having said that, I strongly believe that homemade sugar free ketchup is an extremely healthy ingredient, alongside the homemade vegetable pasta sauce, which can be consumed without problems by both children and adults.
Then, let’s analyze a little the ingredients that form the basis of the preparation of this creamy sauce and find out what are the benefits they bring to our body:
🍅 Tomatoes
Often referred to as the ‘ruby jewels’ of the kitchen, tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its skin-protecting and heart-health benefits. For our little ones, the vitamin C in tomatoes aids in iron absorption, ensuring they have the energy for their playful adventures.
🌶️ Red Peppers
These vibrant veggies are not just a feast for the eyes! Bursting with vitamin C, they play a pivotal role in boosting immunity. Plus, their rich content of beta-carotene gets converted into vitamin A in the body, supporting healthy vision – essential for our kids’ ever-curious eyes.
🧅 Onions
Beyond their tear-jerking prowess, onions are a powerhouse of quercetin, an antioxidant that combats inflammation and promotes heart health. Their prebiotic fibers also nurture gut health, laying the foundation for robust digestion in our youngsters.
🧄 Garlic
This aromatic wonder is often dubbed the ‘natural antibiotic.’ Its active compound, allicin, is renowned for its immune-boosting properties. Incorporating garlic into meals can be a flavorful way to fend off those seasonal sniffles, keeping both adults and kids in high spirits.
🍯 Honey
Nature’s liquid gold, honey is more than just a sweet treat. Its natural sugars provide a quick energy boost, perfect for active kids. Plus, its antimicrobial properties make it a soothing remedy for sore throats and coughs.
🌶️ Chili Peppers
For those who like a little kick in their dishes, chili peppers are the way to go! Capsaicin, the compound that gives them their heat, is known to boost metabolism and promote better blood circulation. However, for the little taste buds, it’s always wise to use them sparingly.
Taking into account all this information, it’s easy to conclude that crafting dishes with these ingredients is like weaving a tapestry of flavors and health benefits. As we savor the delightful tastes, it’s heartening to know that we’re also nourishing our bodies and supporting our children’s growth and development. So, don’t hesitate and cook this amazing canned homemade Thermomix ketchup for your whole family!
Step-by-step Canned Homemade Thermomix Ketchup Recipe
As I already mentioned, I made this homemade sugar free ketchup by using a Cookidoo recipe for inspiration, but I adapted it by using the ingredients that I prefer and the spices that I enjoy. Also, it is important to mention that I used the Thermomix to ease my cooking, but you can simply use a large pot and a blender, and I guarantee you will achieve the same delicious final result.
Canned Homemade Ketchup – A simple, yet delicious healthy sauce
Equipment
- 4 Small Bottles with lids or Glass Jars with lids
- 1 Thermomix / Large pot + Blender
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Knife
- 1 Funnel for bottles/jars
Ingredients
- 1000 g Ripe tomatoes cut in quarters or 1000 g canned whole tomatoes
- 180 g Kapia peppers or red peppers, cut in pieces
- 130 g Red onions
- 2 pcs Garlic cloves
- 100 g Balsamic vinegar
- 1 pcs Bay leaf
- ¼ tsp Ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 50 g Honey
- 1-2 pcs Chili peppers cut in pieces – for the spicy version.
Instructions
- Place tomatoes, kapia peppers (red pepper), onions, garlic cloves and 50 gr vinegar in mixing bowl and chop 5 SEC /Speed 7 (for the spicy ketchup, also add the chili peppers). If you don’t use a Thermomix, you can chop the vegetables into small pieces, using a knife;
- Add bay leaf, place simmering basket instead of measuring cup on mixing bowl lid and COOK 40 MIN/100°C/SPEED 2. If you don’t use the Thermomix, simply cook the ingredients into a large pot for 40 MIN, and stir from time to time;
- Remove bay leaf;
- Add remaining 50 gr vinegar, black pepper, paprika, salt and honey (for the spicy ketchup, honey is not required). Place simmering basket instead of measuring cup on mixing bowl lid and COOK 15 MIN/VAROMA/Speed 1. Adjust seasoning to taste. If you don’t use the Thermomix, simply cook for extra 15 minutes and stir from time to time;
- BLEND 1 min/speed 3-7, increasing speed gradually. If you don’t use the Thermomix, simply blend the cooked ingredients using a blender and you will achieve a creamy homemade ketchup;
- Transfer to sterilized bottles or jars and close air-tight. Allow to cool, then serve or store in refrigerator or pantry.
Notes
Nutrition
Enjoy!
I hope you will try this amazing homemade tomato Thermomix ketchup – sweet or spicy – and I am looking forward to find out your opinion about it. So, don’t forget to share your thoughts, reviews and any other information you find relevant in the comments section below.
Until the next easy and delicious recipe, I wish you all a great time spent with your loved ones. Bye 😊
