Ketchup

Probably the most savory condiment ever concocted. You may invest in buying a bottle of it (or just make it yourself) and then just be able to turn any tastless garbage into a yummy "I can't believe it's not McDonald's" meal.

• Preparation: 15min.
• Cooking: 1h 30min.
• Quantity: 1 liter.

Ingredients ~

• 2.5 kg (15-17 medium-sized) sliced tomatoes.
• 1 large clove of garlic, chopped.
• 250 ml vinegar.
• 60 g chopped onion.
• 1 cinnamon stick.
• 100 g sugar.
• 1 1/4 tsp salt.
• 1 tsp paprika.
• 1 tsp whole cloves.
• A dash of cayenne pepper.

Directions ~

1. Simmer the tomatoes and onion for 20-30min, then press them through a sieve.
2. Wrap the cinnamon, cloves, and garlic loosely in a clean cheesecloth or thin cloth. Tie it tightly, add it to the vinegar, and simmer for 30min.
3. Remove the spice bag from the vinegar.
4. Boil the sieved tomato mixture rapidly, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until it reduces by half.
5. Add the spiced vinegar, sugar, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the tomato mixture.
6. Boil rapidly for about 10min, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.
7. Pour into hot, sterile jars, fill to the top, and seal.