Cherry Ketchup
Cherry ketchup is a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky condiment made with fresh cherries, apple cider vinegar, and warm spices. It has a rich texture and bold flavor that pairs beautifully with burgers, fries, grilled chicken, sandwiches, and roasted potatoes.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Blender or immersion blender
- Fine mesh strainer
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board and knife
- Glass jar or bottle
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cherries pitted
- ½ small red onion chopped
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Remove the pits from the cherries and roughly chop them if large.
- Add the cherries, red onion, garlic, tomato paste, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, ground ginger, allspice, black pepper, and salt to a medium saucepan. Stir well.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften completely and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and blend until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender. Press the ketchup through a fine mesh strainer for a smoother texture.
- Return the strained ketchup to the saucepan and simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes if needed until glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon.
- Let the ketchup cool completely before transferring to a jar or squeeze bottle. The ketchup thickens more after chilling.
Notes
- The higher amount of apple cider vinegar gives this ketchup a brighter, tangier flavor that balances the sweetness of the cherries and honey.
- This cherry ketchup pairs especially well with burgers, grilled chicken, roasted potatoes, fries, meatballs, and sandwiches.
- Straining creates a smoother, more classic ketchup texture, but you can leave it slightly rustic if preferred.
- Store refrigerated for up to 1 week.
