Why Choose Simple Homemade Ketchup Without Apples and How to Make It

Why (and How) to Make Homemade Ketchup Without Apples

Ketchup is one of the most popular condiments globally. It's found in almost every household, served with fries, hamburgers, pasta, and even as a base for sauces or marinades. But what if you don't want to buy industrially produced ketchup loaded with sugar, thickeners, and preservatives? Or you simply dislike the fact that many recipes include apples to enhance sweetness, which not everyone tolerates well?

The good news is that you can easily make simple homemade ketchup without apples yourself—without unnecessary chemicals, with full control over the ingredients and taste. Plus, you don't need any special equipment, just common ingredients and a pot.

What Makes Ketchup, Ketchup?

The typical taste of ketchup is the result of a balanced combination of sweet, sour, and salty components with mild spices and a tomato base. However, commercially produced versions often contain a high amount of refined sugar, corn syrup, and various flavors meant to replace the taste of real ingredients.

On labels, we can often read about ingredients like xanthan gum, starches, or flavors that give ketchup the "right" texture and shelf life. But homemade ketchup is something entirely different—it's about the taste of real tomatoes, quality vinegar, and honest spices.

While some homemade recipes use apples for natural sweetness and consistency, there are also those that do perfectly well without them—and that's what we'll focus on today.

Why Leave Out the Apples?

There can be several reasons. Allergies or intolerance to apples are not common, but for some people, they can be a reason to seek an alternative. Others prefer the pure taste of tomatoes without the fruity undertone that apples bring to ketchup. And then there are those who simply want the simplest recipe—and don't need apples in it.

A simple homemade ketchup without apples has another advantage: you can easily customize it. Want a spicier version? Just add a bit of chili. Love garlic or smoked flavor? That's not a problem either. And most importantly—you know exactly what you're eating.

Simple Homemade Ketchup Without Apples

This recipe is ideal for beginners. It doesn't contain any exotic ingredients, and the result is tasty, thick, and well-sustainable.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg ripe tomatoes (or quality peeled canned tomatoes)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 2 tablespoons apple cider or wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• A pinch of cloves (to taste)
• Optional: a pinch of ground chili or smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them with hot water, peel, and cut into smaller pieces. If using canned, you can use them directly.
2. In a pot over medium heat, sauté the onion until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté briefly.
3. Add the tomatoes and all the spices, including sugar and vinegar. Cook over low heat for about 30–45 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns into a mash.
4. Blend until smooth with an immersion blender or in a mixer.
5. For an extra smooth consistency, you can strain the mixture through a sieve.
6. Return the mixture to the pot and cook a bit longer, if needed, to achieve the desired thickness. Taste and adjust—more vinegar, sugar, or spices according to your preference.
7. Pour the hot ketchup into sterilized jars, turn upside down, and let cool. Store in a cool place.

Prepared this way, the ketchup will last in the fridge for several weeks. If canned, it will last for several months.

Where Can Homemade Ketchup Be Used?

You might be surprised by how many different ways homemade ketchup can be used. Of course, you can serve it as a classic sauce with fries, in burgers, or with grilled meat. It also works great as a base for Bolognese sauce, in stews, or as a marinade. And if you dilute it with a bit of water and add fresh herbs, you'll have a fantastic spicy salad dressing.

A mother of two young children, who tries to eat healthily and save money, recently wrote to us: "The kids love ketchup and always want it with their meals. So I tried making a homemade version—without sugar and apples, just tomatoes, onion, and a bit of honey. Not only do they like it more than store-bought, but I finally have peace of mind knowing what I'm giving them."

Is Homemade Ketchup Really Healthier?

Most nutritionists agree that homemade ketchup has significantly lower sugar content compared to store-bought and contains no artificial additives. You can use organic tomatoes, choose the type of sweetener, or avoid sweetness entirely if you prefer a tangier taste. Plus, you avoid unnecessary plastic packaging, which the environment will appreciate.

Unlike cheap supermarket brands, which often contain only about 20% tomato concentrate, you can make homemade ketchup from quality ingredients that form the base of the entire dish. And that's the difference: flavor, quality, and knowing you're not consuming unnecessary fillers.

What If You Don't Have Time or Want to Cook?

Yes, homemade ketchup requires a bit of time and attention, but it's worth it in the end. However, if you don't feel up to making it or simply don't have the time, look for versions with minimal additives in natural food stores or eco-friendly e-shops—without thickeners, dyes, and with a high tomato content. Such products are usually found in the organic food section and are often labeled as "sugar-free," "additive-free," or "vegan."

On e-shops like Ferwer, focused on sustainable and healthy living, you can also find ketchups from smaller producers who prioritize quality over quantity. Thanks to this, you can enjoy the taste of homemade ketchup even if you don't have time to cook it yourself.

Making simple homemade ketchup without apples is surprisingly easy and brings a welcome change to the kitchen of anyone who watches their health, taste, and ecological footprint. Whether you have it on toast, pasta, or as a dip for roasted vegetables, it will taste better than any ketchup from the shelf.