Banana Ketchup

Directions

Combine the raisins, onions, garlic, tomato paste and ⅓ cup vinegar in the container of a food processor. Process the mixture until smooth.

Transfer the mixture to a large, heavy saucepan. Add the banana chunks and another ⅓ cup vinegar to the food processor container. Process the mixture until smooth. Transfer the banana mixture to the saucepan. Add the remaining ⅔ cup vinegar, 3 cups water, brown sugar, salt and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture in the saucepan to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to low and cook the ketchup, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 1¼ hours.

If the ketchup threatens to stick to the bottom of the pan at any point, add some of the remaining water, up to 1 cup. Add the corn syrup, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper and cloves to the ketchup.

Cook the ketchup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for 15 minutes longer, or until it is thick enough to coat a metal spoon. Stir in the rum. Remove the ketchup from the heat and let it cool a few minutes.

Force the ketchup through a fine sieve to strain it, pressing down hard on the solids. Remove the ketchup from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Store the banana ketchup, covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Makes about 3½ cups.