Foo Club
Foo Club Sun-Dried Tomato Paste
What it is
This is a concentrated paste made from tomatoes that have been dried under the sun. The drying process intensifies the tomato flavor, giving it a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy taste. It is typically made with ripe tomatoes, and the sun-drying method removes much of the water content, resulting in a thick, flavorful paste. This paste is a versatile ingredient used to add depth and a concentrated tomato essence to various dishes.
How people cook with it
It is a fundamental ingredient for building complex flavors in many cuisines. Its concentrated nature means a little goes a long way.
- Sauce bases
- Marinades
- Soups
- Dips
To use, simply add a spoonful or two to your cooking. It can be sautéed with aromatics like garlic and onions to form the base of a sauce, stirred into stews and braises for added richness, or whisked into dressings and marinades. For a quick flavor boost, it can be blended into dips or spread onto bread. Its intense flavor profile means it can transform simple dishes into something more complex and satisfying with minimal effort.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to regular tomato paste, sun-dried tomato paste offers a more pronounced, sweeter, and less acidic tomato flavor due to the sun-drying process. It has a deeper, more complex taste profile that can add a unique dimension to dishes where a simple tomato flavor is desired.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike use this paste to enhance the savory notes in their culinary creations.
How to keep the rest
After opening, transfer any unused paste to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks. Some people also freeze portions of the paste in ice cube trays for longer storage and easy portioning.