Refrigerator Apple-Tomato Ketchup

Name: Refrigerator Apple-Tomato Ketchup
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: About 1.5 litres
Cuisine: Ukrainian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 kg apples, peeled and cored; 500 g tomatoes, chopped; 2 sweet peppers, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic; 150 g sugar; 100 ml 9% vinegar; 1 tbsp salt; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp cold water for slurry

A thick ketchup made from apples, tomatoes, sweet peppers and warm cinnamon.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 1 hr 25 minMakes About 1.5 litres

Jump to Recipe

This ketchup has more apple than tomato, so it tastes softer and fruitier than a standard tomato ketchup. The source measures one kilogram of apples against 500 grams of tomatoes, plus two sweet peppers, onion, garlic and cinnamon. Simmer the chopped produce until very soft, then blend it carefully. Stir in sugar, vinegar and salt and reduce before adding a little cornstarch mixed with cold water. The starch sets the sauce quickly, so stir often at the end. The original suggests rolling jars for winter without a validated acidity or processing method; this version is a refrigerator sauce. Serve small spoonfuls with potatoes, meat or sandwiches.

How to tell when it is ready

Sauce is smooth, thick and spoon-coating.

Tips

Choose sweet firm apples.
Blend only once produce is soft.
Mix starch with cold water first.
Stir constantly as ketchup thickens.

Serving suggestions

Dip roast potatoes.
Spread on a burger.
Add to a breakfast egg plate.
Offer with roast chicken.

Make ahead

Prepare ingredients ahead and keep perishable items cold until cooking or serving.

Storage

Refrigerate covered and use within 1 week or freeze portions.

Food safety

Cornstarch-thickened ketchup is not covered by a tested pantry-canning procedure; do not hot-fill for shelf storage.

Frequently asked questions

Can I store sealed jars at room temperature?

No. This measured version is a refrigerator sauce.

How should I store refrigerator apple-tomato ketchup?

Refrigerate covered and use within 1 week or freeze portions.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Refrigerator Apple-Tomato Ketchup