Tomato paste is a pantry staple that’s rich, concentrated, and packed with umami goodness. But what if you want to turn that thick, intense paste into a smooth, versatile tomato sauce? Whether you’re short on fresh tomatoes or canned sauce, making tomato sauce from tomato paste is quick, easy, and delicious. Let’s dive into how you can transform tomato paste into a vibrant sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or any dish that calls for tomato sauce.
Why Use Tomato Paste to Make Tomato Sauce?
Tomato paste is essentially tomatoes cooked down until almost all the water evaporates, leaving behind a thick, concentrated flavor bomb. This makes it a fantastic base for sauce because:
– It’s shelf-stable and convenient.
– It adds depth and richness to dishes.
– You can control the consistency and flavor by adding water, broth, and seasonings.
By cooking tomato paste properly and adding a few simple ingredients, you can create a fresh-tasting tomato sauce in just minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a basic tomato sauce from tomato paste, gather the following:
– Tomato paste (about 1 tablespoon per cup of sauce)
– Olive oil or butter
– Garlic (minced)
– Onion (finely diced)
– Water or broth (to thin the paste)
– Dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme
– Salt and pepper
– Optional: sugar (to balance acidity), white wine, lemon juice
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tomato Sauce from Tomato Paste
1. Sauté Aromatics for Flavor
Start by heating about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onions and sauté until soft and translucent. This step builds a savory flavor base that complements the tomato paste beautifully.
2. Cook the Tomato Paste
Add the tomato paste to the pan with the aromatics. Use roughly 1 tablespoon of paste for every cup of sauce you want to make. Stir the paste into the oil and aromatics and cook it for 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial because it caramelizes the sugars in the paste, intensifying the flavor and reducing any raw tomato taste.
3. Add Liquid to Thin the Paste
Slowly stir in water or broth to reach your desired sauce consistency. Typically, about 1 cup of liquid per 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste works well. You can adjust this depending on how thick or thin you want your sauce.
4. Season Your Sauce
Add dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, plus salt and pepper to taste. A pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity if needed. For extra depth, a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the sauce.
5. Simmer and Let Flavors Meld
Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Taste and Adjust
Before serving, taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Tips for Elevating Your Tomato Sauce from Paste
– Use good-quality tomato paste: The better the paste, the richer your sauce will be.
– Don’t skip cooking the paste: Heating the paste before adding liquids unlocks its full flavor potential.
– Add sautéed vegetables or meat: For heartier sauces, add cooked sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
– Finish with fresh herbs: Stir in fresh basil or parsley at the end for a fresh burst.
– Use pasta water: When serving with pasta, add a splash of reserved pasta water to the sauce for creaminess and better sauce adhesion.
Quick 5-Minute Tomato Sauce Recipe from Tomato Paste
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a simple sauce you can whip up in five minutes:
– Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan.
– Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
– Stir in 1 cup water or broth.
– Season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
– Simmer briefly and serve over pasta.
This quick sauce is perfect for weeknight dinners and uses just a few pantry staples.
Creamy Tomato Sauce Variation
For a luscious twist, try adding cream and Parmesan cheese to your tomato paste sauce:
– Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil and butter.
– Add tomato paste and cook briefly.
– Stir in cream and whisk gently.
– Add grated Parmesan and a splash of lemon juice.
– Toss with pasta and enjoy a rich, creamy tomato sauce.
Storing and Freezing Tomato Sauce Made from Paste
Tomato sauce made from paste keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it in portions for up to a year. Freeze in ice cube trays for small amounts or in airtight containers for larger batches.
Making tomato sauce from tomato paste is a fantastic way to create a flavorful, versatile sauce quickly and easily. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can turn that little can of paste into a delicious homemade sauce perfect for countless dishes. Enjoy the rich taste and convenience anytime you need!