The benefits of ketchup made with apples and tomatoes come from the combination of vitamins and minerals found in both fruits. Tomatoes primarily provide consumers with vitamins A and B, while apples are valued for their fiber, antioxidants, and pectin—a plant polysaccharide that acts as a natural absorbent and gelling agent. This apple component helps eliminate toxins, heavy metals, and waste, improves digestion, aids in weight loss (thanks to the feeling of fullness), regulates and blood sugar levels, and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, apples add sweetness to the ketchup, allowing for a reduction in the amount of added in the sauce. Plus, homemade apple ketchup for the winter is a fantastic solution for gardeners looking to make use of imperfect fruits (this practical approach won’t compromise the quality of the product).
Ingredients: ripe tomatoes – 4 kg; sweet and sour apples – 500 g; onion – 250 g; sugar – 250 g; apple cider vinegar – 50 ml; ground cinnamon – ½ tsp; salt – 3 tsp; ground black pepper – a pinch.
Preparation
Peel the (to make this easier, blanch the tomatoes first) and pass the fruits through a meat grinder or juicer. Pour the tomato puree into a pot, place it over medium heat, and cook until the mixture thickens (about 1.5 hours).
Add the chopped and the peeled and diced to the tomato puree. Bring the mixture to a boil, remove it from the heat, and let it cool. After 15 minutes, blend the mixture with an immersion blender, add sugar and salt, stir, and return the pot to medium heat. Once it boils again, pour in the vinegar, add cinnamon, black pepper, and cook for another 10 minutes.
Life Hack
Tomatoes pair well in sauces not only with apples: you can prepare at home or homemade ketchup with tomatoes and peppers using the same method.
We’ve discussed dishes that wouldn’t be complete without ketchup in the following publications:
