Del Monte
Del Monte Tomato Paste
What it is
This is a concentrated form of tomatoes that have been cooked down to remove most of their water content. It is a thick, rich paste that provides a deep tomato flavor to dishes. It comes in a can, ready to be incorporated into your cooking. The process of concentrating the tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and umami qualities, making it a powerful flavor enhancer.
How people cook with it
Tomato paste is a fundamental ingredient in many savory dishes. It forms the base for sauces, soups, and stews.
- Sauce bases
- Soup thickeners
- Marinades
- Stew foundations
To use tomato paste, you typically start by sautéing it in a bit of oil or fat over medium heat for a minute or two. This process, called 'blooming,' helps to deepen its flavor and reduce any raw, metallic notes. It's then added to your other aromatics like onions and garlic before incorporating liquids such as broth, wine, or crushed tomatoes. It dissolves easily, lending its concentrated essence throughout the dish. It is also sometimes stirred directly into a sauce or soup to boost its color and taste.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, tomato paste is much thicker and more concentrated. It has a more intense, less acidic tomato flavor. This makes it ideal for adding depth and richness without adding a lot of liquid to a dish. Its texture is smooth and paste-like, distinct from the chunkier textures of other tomato products.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike use tomato paste to build complex flavors in their recipes.
How to keep the rest
After opening, transfer any unused tomato paste to an airtight container or cover the original can tightly. Refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the paste in ice cube trays and then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag.