What Is Tomato Paste?
Understanding Tomato Paste
Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated tomato product made by cooking down fresh tomatoes until most of the water evaporates, leaving behind a rich, flavorful paste. Unlike canned tomatoes or tomato sauce, tomato paste contains a high concentration of tomato flavor with minimal liquid, making it an essential ingredient in many recipes. You can often find tomato paste packaged in squeeze tubes, cans, or glass jars for convenience and longer shelf life.
What Does Tomato Paste Do in Recipes?
Tomato paste acts as a powerful flavor enhancer, adding depth and a vibrant tomato flavor to dishes without diluting them. Because of its concentrated nature, it’s perfect for boosting tomato sauces, pasta sauce, soups, and stews. It works well in slow cooker chili, Kansas City barbecue sauce, and classic French dishes like boeuf bourguignon. The concentrated tomatoes in tomato paste provide a rich base that can stand up to strong seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder.
Tomato Paste vs. Tomato Sauce vs. Tomato Puree
Understanding the differences between tomato products helps you pick the right one:
- Tomato Paste: Concentrated and thick, tomato paste has very little liquid and a deep flavor.
- Tomato Puree: Smoother and thinner than paste, it contains more water but less seasoning.
- Tomato Sauce: Usually fully cooked and seasoned, used directly in dishes or as a base.
When cooking, tomato paste is the go-to for concentrated tomato flavor, especially when you want to avoid watering down your dish.
How to Use Tomato Paste in Cooking
How to Make Tomato Sauce with Tomato Paste
Making homemade tomato sauce using canned tomato paste is straightforward and allows you to control the flavors:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic powder or fresh garlic.
- Add tomato paste and cook it briefly to activate its flavor.
- Slowly stir in vegetable stock or water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and herbs.
- Simmer until thickened.
This sauce is perfect for pasta dishes, pizza bases, or even Bloody Marys.
Creative Uses for Tomato Paste
Tomato paste is versatile beyond sauces:
- Enhance canned tomatoes by adding tomato paste to increase tomato flavor.
- Use it as a seasoning paste in barbecue sauces or marinades.
- Mix it into ground meat for burgers or meatloaf to add moisture and richness.
- Freeze small portions of tomato paste in ice cube trays, then store cubes in resealable plastic bags or Ziplock bags for easy use.
- Add tomato paste to slow cooker chili or other hearty recipes for concentrated flavor.
Tomato Paste Storage and Shelf Life
How Long Does Tomato Paste Last in the Fridge?
Unopened canned tomato paste or tubes typically last up to a year when stored away from heat and UV light exposure. Once opened, transfer leftover paste into an airtight container, such as a resealable screw-cap glass jar or plastic container, to prevent mold growth and preserve freshness. In the refrigerator, opened tomato paste generally stays good for 5 to 7 days.
To extend shelf life and avoid foodborne illnesses like those caused by Clostridium botulinum, freezing tomato paste is an excellent option. Freeze it in portions using ice cube trays, then transfer cubes into resealable plastic bags for storage in the freezer for up to 3 months. This storage technique helps retain the tomato flavor and prevents spoilage.
When storing tomato paste, avoid exposure to high temperatures and keep it in a cool, dark place before opening.
