Sun Of Italy · 33 g
Sun Of Italy Tomato Paste
What it is
This is a concentrated form of tomatoes that has been cooked down to remove most of its water content. It is a deep red color and has a rich, intense tomato flavor. This product comes in a small, convenient can, perfect for recipes that call for a smaller amount of tomato paste. It is a staple ingredient in many cuisines, providing a foundational flavor to a wide variety of dishes.
How people cook with it
Tomato paste is a versatile ingredient used to deepen and enrich the flavor of many dishes. It adds a savory depth that is hard to replicate with other ingredients.
- Sauces and gravies
- Soups and stews
- Marinades
- Dips and spreads
To use tomato paste, you can add it directly to your cooking. Often, it is sautéed with aromatics like onions and garlic at the beginning of a recipe to bloom its flavor. This process helps to mellow its raw taste and develop a more complex sweetness. It can also be stirred into simmering sauces, stews, or braises to add body and a concentrated tomato essence. For a quick flavor boost, a small amount can be whisked into salad dressings or used as a base for a quick pan sauce.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to crushed or diced tomatoes, tomato paste is significantly thicker and more concentrated. It has a much more intense tomato flavor and less liquid. This makes it ideal for adding depth without watering down a dish. Unlike tomato sauce, it is not seasoned and has a much richer, less acidic taste.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike rely on tomato paste to build complex flavors in their dishes.
How to keep the rest
After opening, transfer any unused tomato paste to an airtight container or cover the can tightly. Store it in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen in small portions, such as by the tablespoon, on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for easy use in future recipes.