Ketchup is a basic condiment of American cuisine, as a perfect accompaniment to burgers, fried chicken, fries, scrambled eggs and many of the national symbol dishes; it is estimated that 97% of households in the United States have a bottle of ketchup at home. This popular tomato sauce with an unmistakable taste has become famous especially because it is associated with the American brand Heinz, born in 1876, which made ketchup a universal condiment. Few people know, however, that the American company was actually inspired by one recipe of oriental origin, or a fermented sauce based on fish invented in China about 500 years ago, and that ketchup is currently widespread throughout the world with different varieties. Although in Italy this sauce has never had the same success as in others, in many countries the ingredients and ways of use are different, little known and in some cases surprising.

Modern ketchup uses in Asia

In some Asian countries, ketchup is also used as a substitute for tomato sauce in pasta dishes. In Japanfor example, a dish called ketchup was created Spaghetti Napolitan, invented shortly after the end of the Second World War, with a tomato sauce mixed with ketchup, onions, peppers and sausage. Also in the Land of the Rising Sun the ketchup is also used to give flavor to some traditional dishes such asomurice, or the famous omelette served on a bed of rice.

In Philippines the so-called is instead very widespread ketchup of bananas with a similar taste, invented when tomatoes were scarce during the Second World War. This sauce is made with various banana puree, sugar, vinegar and spices and although brown-yellow it is often dyed red to resemble tomato ketchup.

The modern variety of ketchup has even returned home to China to become the basis of many Chinese dishes or, better, Chinese-Americans like the Chicken in Sweet and sour sauce. Ketchup is sometimes also used as a substitute for tamarind in Pad Thai, a dish made of widespread noodle of rice both in China and in Thailand.

Ketchup in the West, between pies and pizzas with tomato sauce

In many Western countries, including Lebanon and Poland, the ketchup is squeezed on the pizza in place of tomato sauce, a bit like mayonnaise in Asia.

The European country where ketchup is most popular is certainly the Germany. The German version, called "curryketchup", Is flavored with curry, has a strong and intense flavor, and is typical of local street food. The traditional dish most associated with this sauce is the very popular currywurst, which in Berlin was even dedicated a museum; It is a sausage cut into slices and served precisely with the German version of ketchup, another sprinkling of curry and bread.

As for the use of ketchup, this time in the classic but slightly sweeter version, the most intriguing recipe comes from Canada, where the ketchup cake It is very popular; it is a sweet cake with a red, creamy, tasty and slightly spiced glaze.

Photo: Omurice Japanese omelette with ketchup_Wikimedia Commons_Nesnad.jpg
Photo: Jufran_Banana ketchup Philippines_Wikimedia Commons_BrokenSphere.JPG
Photo: Currywurst Ketchup in Germany_Wikimedia Commons_Orderinchaos.jpg