Cinnamon Red Hot Ketchup

FOR GRILLED DISHES

If you’re a ketchup fan, this could become your burger’s best friend. We keep the sugar at a moderate level so that the cinnamon and chile flavors come through.

Cinnamon Red Hot Ketchup brings a tantalizing twist to the classic tomato condiment we all know. This unique ketchup recipe combines the rich and savory essence of tomatoes with the warmth of ground cinnamon and the fiery kick of red chilies. The result is a complex and dynamic flavor profile that is sure to awaken your taste buds.

To create this distinctive ketchup, the process begins with sautéing minced onions in vegetable or sunflower oil until they turn soft and translucent. Diced tomatoes with their juices, rice vinegar, and apple cider or juice are then added to the mix. The tartness of vinegar and apple juice complements the natural sweetness of tomatoes, while brown sugar and light corn syrup contribute a touch of sweetness that balances the heat of the chilies.

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly ground cinnamon, which introduces an unexpected yet delightful spiciness. The cinnamon’s earthy warmth marries well with the ground dried hot red chilies, which bring the necessary fiery kick. A dash of Tabasco sauce adds an extra layer of heat and complexity, while kosher salt or coarse sea salt ensures the ketchup is well-seasoned.

After simmering the mixture to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to thicken, it’s blended into a smooth puree. The end result is a vibrant, aromatic ketchup with a rich red hue and a bold flavor profile. Its spicy, sweet, and tangy notes make it an ideal companion for a wide range of dishes, from burgers and fries to grilled meats and sandwiches.

Cinnamon Red Hot Ketchup is a testament to the endless possibilities of culinary creativity. Its fusion of traditional ketchup ingredients with unexpected spices adds a new dimension to your palate. Whether used as a dipping sauce, a condiment for your favorite comfort foods, or an ingredient in your cooking experiments, this ketchup is sure to ignite your taste buds and make your meals more exciting.

MAKES: ABOUT 2 CUPS

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sunflower oil
• ½ cup minced onion
• 14 to 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 cup rice vinegar
• ¾ cup apple cider or juice
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground dried hot red chile, such as New Mexican
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt or coarse sea salt, or more to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Warm the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the minced onion and sauté until it turns translucent and begins to soften, which should take about 5 minutes.
2. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, rice vinegar, apple cider or juice, brown sugar, light corn syrup, ground cinnamon, ground dried hot red chile, Tabasco sauce, and kosher salt to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 45 minutes. This will help blend the flavors and thicken the liquid.
4. Once the mixture has cooked and thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool briefly.
5. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. The resulting mixture is your Spicy Cinnamon Ketchup.
6. Pour the ketchup into a suitable container such as a jar or bottle, and ensure it is covered. You can store this homemade ketchup in the refrigerator for several weeks.
7. Serve the Spicy Cinnamon Ketchup chilled alongside any dishes that can be complemented by ketchup’s tangy and spicy flavor.