Seriously Good Homemade Ketchup

Step 1

Heat oil over medium heat then add onions and cook until they are softened, sweet and lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes and allspice then cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes.

Step 2

Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring often, until it turns from red to a burnt orange color, about 2 minutes.

Step 3

Add the can of tomatoes with juice, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, cider vinegar, a generous pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir, and then taste to check and see if you need to add more sugar (we usually end up adding a total of 3 to 4 tablespoons).

Step 4

Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat slightly and cook at a low simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and shiny, about 20 minutes. Taste then adjust with more sugar, salt or pepper.

Step 5

Blend until smooth, let cool to room temperature then refrigerate up to one month.