Schnucks · 33 g
Schnucks Tomato Paste
What it is
This is a concentrated form of tomatoes, cooked down to remove most of the water. It has a rich, deep tomato flavor and a thick texture. The paste is made from ripe tomatoes, processed for a smooth consistency. It is a fundamental ingredient in many savory dishes, providing a foundational tomato taste and color. Its concentrated nature means a little goes a long way in adding depth to sauces and stews.
How people cook with it
Tomato paste is a versatile ingredient used to enhance the flavor of a wide range of dishes. It forms the base for many sauces and is a key component in slow-cooked meals.
- Sauce bases
- Soups and stews
- Marinades
- Flavor enhancer
To use tomato paste, you typically add it early in the cooking process. Sautéing it briefly in oil can help to deepen its flavor and reduce any raw tomato taste. This step, often called 'blooming' the paste, allows its sugars to caramelize slightly, adding a richer, more complex dimension to your dish. It can then be incorporated into sauces, gravies, chilis, and braised meats to provide a robust tomato foundation and a pleasing reddish-brown hue. It is also a common addition to homemade ketchup and barbecue sauces.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to crushed or diced tomatoes, tomato paste is significantly thicker and more concentrated. This means it imparts a more intense tomato flavor without adding a lot of liquid. It is less acidic than some other tomato products, offering a smoother, more rounded tomato taste.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike use tomato paste to build flavor in their culinary creations.
How to keep the rest
After opening, transfer any unused tomato paste to an airtight container or cover the can tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the opened paste. It can also be frozen in small portions, such as tablespoon-sized dollops on parchment paper, for convenient future use.