Grocery
Concentrated Tomato Paste
What it is
This is a concentrated form of tomatoes that have been cooked down to remove most of their water content. The process intensifies the natural tomato flavor and creates a thick, rich texture. It is a pantry staple used to add depth and body to a wide variety of dishes. Its concentrated nature means a little goes a long way in enhancing the overall taste profile of a meal.
How people cook with it
Tomato paste is a foundational ingredient for building complex flavors in savory cooking. It serves as a base for sauces, soups, and stews, providing a deep tomato essence.
- Sauce base
- Soup thickener
- Stew enhancer
- Marinade component
To unlock its full flavor, it is often beneficial to cook tomato paste before adding other liquids. Sautéing it briefly in oil or butter can mellow its raw taste and deepen its sweetness. This step helps to caramelize the sugars present in the tomatoes, creating a more nuanced and rounded flavor. It can then be incorporated into simmering sauces, braises, or pan sauces, where its concentrated essence will meld with other ingredients, adding richness and a satisfying tomato undertone to the finished dish.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike diced tomatoes or tomato sauce, tomato paste is significantly more concentrated. This means it has a much stronger, more intense tomato flavor and a thicker consistency. It is not meant to be eaten on its own but rather used in smaller quantities to build a robust flavor foundation in cooked dishes.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike rely on tomato paste for its ability to impart deep tomato flavor.
How to keep the rest
After opening, transfer any unused tomato paste to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in an ice cube tray; once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.