It’s that time of year when we have tomatoes coming out of our ears! Even if they aren’t overflowing in your garden, they are still bright, red, juicy, plentiful, and cheap in the supermarkets. So, what’s a gal to do with all those tomatoes? Why make homemade tomato paste, of course! 😉 Did I mention this is surprisingly easy to make? My recipe will take you just a little over an hour and only requires four basic ingredients and no specialized cooking tools or techniques.
What Exactly is Tomato Paste?
Tomato paste, in contrast with sauce, is much thicker and has a more concentrated flavor. The paste doesn’t replace tomatoes in a recipe. Instead, it is usually used to thicken, color, and provide a richer flavor base to dishes. There are a lot of substitutes out there to use in a pinch, like cooking down a can of diced tomatoes, but nothing beats the real deal!
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Tomato Paste
Prepare and Cook the Tomatoes
Cut the tomatoes in halves or quarters and remove the stems.Heat the Oil – Place olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.Cook the Tomatoes – Add the tomatoes and cook until soft and the peels begin to detach from the tomato flesh.Puree – Take the pot off the stove and immediately pour the tomatoes into a blender. Puree until smooth.Strain – Pour it through a sieve and use a spatula to push the tomato sauce through, leaving the skin and seeds behind.Simmer – Pour it back into the pot. Add salt and lime juice and cook over low heat for 1 hour or until it thickens.Done – Take it off the stove and allow it to cool. You can use it immediately or store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
Tips and Tricks
Serving and Storage Instructions
Now you’re probably wondering how to preserve your well-earned sauce ingredient. Simply put it in a jar or another airtight container in the refrigerator. Use a clean spoon to take out what you need for cooking to help it last longer. 👌 You can also freeze tomato paste in an airtight container for 2-3 months.
Things You Can Make with Tomato Paste
Homemade pasta and pizza sauce are amazing when you add in this paste. I love making pizza rolls or just topping regular homemade pizza dough with this tomato paste. Many pasta dishes benefit from the deep flavor of this homemade sauce. Try sausage and pasta or your favorite pasta with a delicious Bolognese sauce. 🤤
More Amazing Tomatoey Recipes to Try
Conclusion
This homemade tomato paste takes a little time to make, but it is so worth it. When you make a batch, let me know how much you love it and what recipes you use in the comment section below! 🙌
Watch How to Make It
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