Food Lion · 33 g
Food Lion Tomato Paste, 33 g
What it is
This is a concentrated form of tomatoes, cooked down to remove most of the water. It has a deep red color and a rich, intense tomato flavor. The paste is thick and smooth, making it a versatile ingredient for adding depth and body to many dishes. It is typically sold in small cans or tubes.
How people cook with it
Tomato paste is a foundational ingredient in countless savory recipes, providing a concentrated burst of tomato essence.
- Sauces and gravies
- Soups and stews
- Marinades
- Dipping sauces
To use tomato paste, you can add it directly to your cooking. It's often sautéed briefly in oil at the beginning of a recipe to deepen its flavor and color. This step, called 'blooming,' helps to mellow any raw tomato taste and create a richer base for your dish. It can be stirred into simmering sauces, soups, or stews to thicken them and impart a concentrated tomato flavor. It also works well in rubs and marinades for meats.
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 altering the overall liquid content of a dish as much as other tomato products might.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike use tomato paste to enhance the flavor of their culinary creations.
How to keep the rest
After opening, transfer any unused tomato paste to an airtight container or cover the original can tightly. Store it in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen in small portions, such as in ice cube trays, for convenient future use.