Ketchup

Headnote

Ketchup, when treated with precision, is not a condiment of convenience but a controlled balance of sweetness, acidity, and gentle spice. In its simplest form, it should be glossy, clean, and direct, with a finish that is bright rather than heavy. This recipe preserves that clarity and serves it in its purest state.

Recipe essentials

Dish category: Condiment

Cuisine or origin: American

Course type: Accompaniment

Yield: 1 serving

Serving size: 15 g

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 0 minutes

Total time: 2 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Equipment

Small serving dish

Ingredients

Condiment

Ketchup 15 g

Method

1. Measure 15 g of ketchup precisely and transfer it to a small serving dish.

2. Smooth the surface with the back of a spoon so the ketchup sits in a neat, even pool with a glossy finish.

3. Serve immediately. The ketchup should be thick, bright, and cleanly set in the dish.

Plating and serving

Present the ketchup as a restrained accent beside the main dish, keeping the surface smooth and the portion exact. It should read as a deliberate, polished detail rather than an afterthought.

Professional notes

Use ketchup at a cool room temperature for the most even texture and shine. Keep the portion exact; with a condiment this concentrated, balance depends on restraint.