Tomato Paste Uses

Tomato paste is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes.

It is made by cooking tomatoes for several hours to reduce their liquid content and concentrate their flavor.

The result is a thick, rich paste that adds depth and richness to sauces, stews, and other dishes.

Sauces and Condiments

Pizza Sauce

One of the most common uses for tomato paste is in pizza sauce. To make a quick and easy pizza sauce, simply combine tomato paste with water, olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs and spices. You can adjust the consistency to your liking by adding more or less water.

Pasta Sauce

Tomato paste is also a key ingredient in many pasta sauces, such as marinara and bolognese. It adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor that helps to thicken and enhance the sauce.

Enchilada Sauce

For a delicious enchilada sauce, whisk together tomato paste, chili powder, garlic, cumin, and chicken or vegetable broth. This sauce is perfect for smothering enchiladas or drizzling over burritos or tacos.

Ketchup

Did you know that you can make your own ketchup at home using tomato paste? Simply combine tomato paste with vinegar, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and mustard powder for a tangy, flavorful condiment.

Soups and Stews

Beef Barley Soup

Tomato paste is an essential ingredient in many hearty soups and stews, such as beef barley soup. The paste adds richness and depth to the broth, while also helping to thicken it.

Aloo Matar (Potato and Pea Curry)

In Indian cuisine, tomato paste is often used to add richness and complexity to curries, such as aloo matar (potato and pea curry). The paste helps to create a creamy, flavorful sauce that coats the vegetables.

Classic Tomato Soup

Of course, we can't forget about classic tomato soup! To make a rich and flavorful tomato soup, start with a base of tomato paste and add chicken or vegetable broth, cream, and your favorite herbs and spices.

Slow-Cooker Shredded Beef Ragu

For a comforting and satisfying meal, try making a slow-cooker shredded beef ragu with tomato paste. The paste helps to create a rich, savory sauce that pairs perfectly with tender, shredded beef.

Main Dishes

Classic Pot Roast

Tomato paste is an essential ingredient in many pot roast recipes, adding richness and depth to the cooking liquid. It helps to create a flavorful gravy that perfectly complements the tender, braised meat.

Shepherd's Pie

If you're looking for a hearty and comforting main dish, try making shepherd's pie with a tomato paste-based sauce. The paste adds a rich, savory flavor to the ground meat and vegetable filling, which is then topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

Spaghetti Bolognese

No list of tomato paste uses would be complete without mentioning spaghetti bolognese. In this classic Italian dish, tomato paste is used to create a rich, meaty sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

American Goulash

For a taste of classic Americana, try making American goulash with tomato paste. This dish features ground beef simmered in a tomato-based sauce with elbow macaroni and plenty of spices.

Lamb Shanks

Tomato paste is a key ingredient in many braised lamb shank recipes, helping to create a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.

Key Takeaway: Tomato paste is a versatile ingredient that can be used to add depth and richness to a wide range of dishes, from sauces and soups to main courses and more.

Quick and Easy Recipes

Slow Cooker Chicken Ropa Vieja

For a quick and easy meal, try making chicken ropa vieja in the slow cooker. This dish features shredded chicken simmered in a flavorful sauce made with tomato paste, spices, and bell peppers.

Braised Steak and Onions

If you're in the mood for a hearty and satisfying meal, try braising steak and onions with tomato paste. The paste helps to create a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender, braised meat.

Hemp Tofu Burger

Looking for a vegetarian or vegan option? Try making hemp tofu burgers with a tomato paste-based sauce. The paste adds a rich, umami flavor to the burgers, making them a satisfying and delicious meat-free option.

Slow-Cooker Beef Stroganoff

For a classic comfort food dish, try making slow-cooker beef stroganoff with tomato paste. The paste adds depth and richness to the creamy sauce, which perfectly complements the tender beef and egg noodles.

Chicken Breasts in Tomato Sauce

For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try sautéing chicken breasts in a tomato sauce made with tomato paste, garlic, and your favorite herbs and spices.

Key Takeaway: Tomato paste can be used to create quick and easy meals, from slow-cooker dishes to sautéed chicken breasts, adding richness and depth of flavor to even the simplest recipes.

Unique and Flavorful Dishes

Taco Lettuce Wraps

For a light and flavorful meal, try making taco lettuce wraps with a tomato paste-based sauce. The paste adds a rich, savory flavor to the ground meat filling, which is then wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta with Crème Fraîche

If you're in the mood for something a little more indulgent, try making creamy sun-dried tomato chicken pasta with crème fraîche and tomato paste. The paste adds depth and richness to the creamy sauce, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor.

Easy 20-Minute Butter Chicken

For a taste of Indian cuisine, try making easy 20-minute butter chicken with tomato paste. The paste helps to create a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken and fragrant spices.

Rachael Ray Meatballs

If you're looking for a unique and flavorful meatball recipe, try Rachael Ray's meatballs with tomato paste. The paste adds richness and depth to the sauce, while the meatballs themselves are made with a blend of ground meats and spices.

Chicken Menudo

For a taste of Filipino cuisine, try making chicken menudo with tomato paste. This stew features tender chicken simmered in a flavorful broth with tomato paste, vegetables, and spices.

Key Takeaway: Tomato paste can be used to create unique and flavorful dishes from a variety of cuisines, adding depth and richness to everything from pasta dishes to stews and more.

Classic Comfort Foods

Ina Garten's Meatloaf

For a classic comfort food dish, try making Ina Garten's meatloaf with tomato paste. The paste adds richness and depth to the meatloaf, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

Saucy Moroccan-Spiced Lentils

If you're in the mood for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish, try making saucy Moroccan-spiced lentils with tomato paste. The paste helps to create a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender lentils and fragrant spices.

Trisha Yearwood Sloppy Joes

For a taste of classic Americana, try making Trisha Yearwood's sloppy joes with tomato paste. The paste adds richness and depth to the sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to bring back memories of childhood.

FAQs

What is the difference between tomato paste and tomato sauce?

Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes that has been cooked down to remove most of the liquid content. It has a thicker, more concentrated flavor than tomato sauce, which is typically made by simmering tomatoes with herbs and spices.

How long does tomato paste last?

Unopened cans or tubes of tomato paste can last for several months past their best-by date when stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, tomato paste should be refrigerated and used within 5-7 days.

Can I substitute tomato sauce for tomato paste?

While tomato sauce and tomato paste are not direct substitutes, you can use tomato sauce in place of tomato paste by reducing it down to a thicker consistency. To substitute, simmer 1 cup of tomato sauce until it has reduced by half, creating a thicker, more concentrated sauce.

Is tomato paste healthy?

Tomato paste is relatively low in calories and fat, and it is a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. However, it can be high in sodium, so it's important to consume it in moderation.

Can I freeze tomato paste?

Yes, you can freeze tomato paste to extend its shelf life. Simply spoon the paste into an ice cube tray and freeze it. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Conclusion

Tomato paste is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes, from sauces and soups to main courses and more.

Its concentrated flavor and thick texture make it an excellent addition to any dish that needs a rich, tomato-based flavor.