Harmons · 33 g
This is a concentrated form of tomatoes, cooked down to remove most of the water. It is made from ripe, organic tomatoes, offering a rich and intense tomato flavor. The paste is smooth and thick, making it a versatile ingredient for building deep flavor in many dishes. It comes in a small, convenient package.
Tomato paste is a foundational ingredient for many savory recipes. It adds depth and a concentrated tomato taste that is hard to replicate with other forms of tomatoes.
To use, spoon the desired amount into your cooking. It is often sautéed with aromatics like onions and garlic at the beginning of a recipe to bloom its flavor. This process caramelizes the sugars in the paste, enhancing its sweetness and complexity. It can also be stirred directly into liquids like broths or water to enrich their taste and color. For a smoother finish, you can whisk it with a little liquid before adding it to the main pot.
Compared to crushed or diced tomatoes, tomato paste is significantly thicker and has a much more concentrated flavor due to the removal of water. This intensity means a smaller amount is needed to achieve a deep tomato taste. It lacks the chunky texture of other tomato products.
Home cooks and professional chefs alike use tomato paste to enhance the flavor profiles of their culinary creations.
After opening, transfer any unused paste to an airtight container or cover the original container tightly. Refrigerate the remaining paste. It can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week to maintain its freshness and flavor.