This ketchup, as per my recipe, is not intended to be exceptionally sweet. Feel free to add more or less sugar according to your taste. The maple syrup adds a unique tang to the ketchup.
INGREDIENTS
1 (15 oz can or 1 pint jar) tomato sauce
1 (8 oz) can tomato paste
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar or to taste
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
1 whole clove
Optional: 1/8 teaspoon mustard seed (finely crushed)
1/2 cup maple syrup
DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients except maple syrup in a medium-sized pot. Simmer on low for 10 minutes or until the desired consistency of your ketchup is achieved. Remove pot from the stove and stir in maple syrup.
NOTES
For storage, I pour the ketchup into clean mason jars and place in the refrigerator.
If you prefer, you can substitute white sugar for the maple syrup by using 1/2 to 2/3 cup of white sugar.