Grocery
Concentrated Tomato Paste
What it is
This is a thick, rich paste made from cooked and concentrated tomatoes. It has a deep, intense tomato flavor due to the removal of water content. The process involves simmering tomatoes for an extended period, resulting in a smooth, dense product. It is a staple ingredient for adding a robust tomato base to many dishes. Its concentrated nature means a little goes a long way in developing flavor.
How people cook with it
Tomato paste is a fundamental ingredient for building flavor in a wide variety of savory dishes. It provides a concentrated essence of tomato that enriches sauces, soups, and stews.
- Sauce base
- Soup thickener
- Marinade enhancer
- Stew flavor builder
To use, typically a small amount is added early in the cooking process. It can be sautéed briefly with aromatics like onions and garlic to deepen its flavor and reduce any raw tomato taste. This step, known as 'blooming' the paste, helps to meld its richness into the dish. It is then incorporated into liquids for sauces, soups, or stews, where it dissolves and distributes its concentrated tomato essence throughout the meal, contributing color and depth.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike diced or crushed tomatoes, tomato paste is significantly more concentrated. It has a much thicker consistency and a more intense, less acidic tomato flavor. This concentrated form is ideal for imparting a strong tomato character without adding excess liquid to a dish, making it a powerful flavor enhancer.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs use tomato paste to create deeply flavored dishes.
How to keep the rest
After opening, transfer any unused tomato paste to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in ice cube trays for convenient use in future recipes. Ensure it is well-sealed to prevent oxidation and maintain its quality.