Homemade Hawthorn Ketchup with a Beetroot Twist

Looking for a unique and flavourful condiment to add to your collection? Give this homemade Hawthorn Ketchup a try! Packed with the rich flavours of hawthorn berries, beetroot, and a hint of chilli, this delicious ketchup will elevate your chips, fries, or any other dish you pair it with. The vibrant colour and taste make it a fantastic addition to your kitchen. Here’s how you can create this delightful condiment at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 handfuls of plump hawthorn berries (haws)
• 2 small beetroot, chopped
• 1 chilli, chopped
• 250 ml cider vinegar
• 250 ml water
• Caster sugar, to taste
• Cornflour, to thicken
• Sterilised jar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the haws: Rinse the hawthorn berries thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Combine ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the haws, chopped beetroot, and chopped chilli. Pour in the cider vinegar and water to cover the ingredients. The mixture should be approximately half cider vinegar and half water.
3. Simmer the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for around 30 minutes, or until the haws and beetroot have softened.
4. Strain the mixture: Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully strain the mixture through a sieve, collecting the liquid in a separate bowl. Discard the solids.
5. Add sugar and thicken: Return the strained liquid to the saucepan and place it back on the heat. Add caster sugar to taste, stirring until dissolved. Gradually whisk in a little cornflour to achieve your desired ketchup consistency. Be cautious, as a little cornflour goes a long way.
6. Fill the jar: Once the ketchup has reached your preferred thickness, carefully pour it into a sterilised jar. Seal the jar tightly and allow the ketchup to cool to room temperature.
7. Store and enjoy: Store your homemade Hawthorn Ketchup in the refrigerator and enjoy it on your favourite dishes, like chips, fries, burgers, and more!

This Homemade Hawthorn Ketchup with Beetroot is a flavourful and vibrant condiment that will add a unique touch to any meal. Not only is it easy to make, but it also allows you to experiment with different levels of sweetness and spice to suit your taste buds. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your culinary creativity!