Roundy's · 31 g
Roundy's Organic Tomato Paste
What it is
This is a concentrated form of tomatoes, cooked down to remove most of the water. It is made from organic tomatoes, meaning they were grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. The paste is thick and rich, offering a deep tomato flavor. It comes in a small can, perfect for adding intense tomato essence to dishes without adding too much liquid. Its smooth texture blends easily into sauces and stews.
How people cook with it
Tomato paste is a foundational ingredient for building complex flavors in many savory dishes. It adds depth and richness to sauces, soups, and braises.
- Sauce base
- Soup enrichment
- Marinade component
- Braising liquid
To use, simply open the can and add the desired amount to your cooking. It's often sautéed with aromatics like onions and garlic at the beginning of a recipe to deepen its flavor. This process, known as 'blooming,' caramelizes the sugars in the paste, enhancing its sweetness and reducing any raw tomato taste. It can then be deglazed with liquids like wine or broth to create a flavorful sauce or incorporated directly into simmering dishes.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to crushed or diced tomatoes, tomato paste is significantly thicker and more concentrated. This means it provides a much more intense tomato flavor without adding a lot of moisture to a dish. Its cooked-down nature also gives it a deeper, richer, and slightly sweeter taste than fresh or canned tomatoes.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike use tomato paste to enhance the savory profiles of their meals.
How to keep the rest
After opening, transfer any unused tomato paste to an airtight container or a resealable bag. Store it in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen in small portions, such as in ice cube trays, for convenient future use. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality for several days in the fridge.