Grocery
Smooth Tomato Puree
What it is
This is a smooth, concentrated product made from cooked and pureed tomatoes. It has a rich, deep tomato flavor and a thick consistency. It is typically made from ripe tomatoes that have been strained to remove seeds and skins, resulting in a uniform texture. This base ingredient is a staple in many kitchens for building complex sauces and dishes.
How people cook with it
Tomato puree is a versatile ingredient that forms the foundation for countless savory recipes. Its smooth texture and intense tomato taste make it ideal for sauces, soups, and stews.
- Sauce base
- Soup starter
- Stew thickener
- Marinade component
To use tomato puree, simply add it to your cooking as the recipe directs. It can be simmered with aromatics like onions and garlic to create a flavorful sauce for pasta or pizza. It is also excellent when added to broths and stocks to enrich the flavor of soups and stews. For a quick sauce, you can heat it with herbs and spices. Its thickness means it can also be used to bind ingredients in dishes like meatloaf or casseroles.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to crushed tomatoes, tomato puree is much smoother and more concentrated. Diced tomatoes retain their shape, while tomato paste is even thicker and more intensely flavored, often requiring dilution. Puree offers a balance between these, providing a smooth texture and robust tomato flavor without being overly thick.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike rely on tomato puree for its consistent quality and ease of use in a wide range of dishes.
How to keep the rest
After opening, transfer any unused tomato puree to a clean, airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the puree in ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers.