Great Value
Great Value Tomato Paste
What it is
Great Value Tomato Paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes that have been cooked down to remove most of their water content. This process results in a thick, rich paste with an intense tomato flavor. It is a versatile ingredient commonly used to deepen the taste of sauces, soups, stews, and other savory dishes. The paste is typically sold in small cans or tubes, making it easy to store and use as needed.
How people cook with it
Tomato paste is a foundational ingredient for many cooked dishes, providing a concentrated burst of tomato essence.
- Thickening sauces
- Adding depth to stews
- Enhancing soup flavor
- Browning for rich taste
To use tomato paste, you can often start by sautéing it in a bit of oil or butter before adding other ingredients. This step, known as 'blooming' or 'caramelizing,' helps to mellow its raw flavor and develop a richer, sweeter taste. It can then be incorporated into the liquid base of your dish. For a smoother integration, you might whisk it with a small amount of liquid first to create a slurry before adding it to the main pot. It's a key component for building complex flavor profiles.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, tomato paste has a much thicker consistency and a more concentrated flavor due to the extensive reduction process. This means a small amount can significantly impact the taste and color of a dish, providing a more intense tomato experience compared to its less concentrated counterparts.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike rely on tomato paste to add a robust tomato base to their culinary creations.
How to keep the rest
After opening, transfer any unused tomato paste to an airtight container or cover the original can tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the opened paste. It can typically be stored in the refrigerator for about a week to ten days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in ice cube trays.