Grocery
Pur Corsé Tomato Paste
What it is
Pur Corsé is a concentrated tomato product. It is made from 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 fundamental ingredient in many savory dishes, providing depth and a foundational tomato taste. The paste is typically sold in a small can or tube, making it easy to store and use as needed.
How people cook with it
This ingredient is a staple for building complex flavors in a wide range of cooked dishes.
- Sauce base
- Soup enrichment
- Stew thickening
- Marinade component
To use Pur Corsé, you typically sauté it briefly in oil or butter at the beginning of cooking. This step, known as 'blooming,' helps to deepen its flavor and reduce any raw tomato acidity. It can then be incorporated into sauces, stews, soups, or braises. For a smoother integration, you can whisk it with a little liquid, such as broth or water, before adding it to your dish. It is a powerful flavor enhancer, so a small amount can significantly impact the final taste.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike crushed or diced tomatoes, tomato paste is significantly thicker and more concentrated. This means it imparts a much more intense tomato flavor without adding a lot of liquid. It is also cooked down, which mellows the acidity and brings out a sweeter, more complex tomato essence compared to raw or lightly processed tomato products.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike use this ingredient to elevate their savory creations.
How to keep the rest
After opening, transfer any unused Pur Corsé to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen in small portions, such as ice cube trays, for longer storage. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality for several weeks in the refrigerator or months when frozen.