Tomato paste is one of those kitchen staples that often gets overlooked or misunderstood. It’s a small can or tube of intensely concentrated tomato goodness, packed with umami and rich flavor. But how do you use tomato paste to get the most out of it? Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this guide will show you how to use tomato paste like a pro to elevate your meals.
What Is Tomato Paste?
Tomato paste is made by cooking down fresh tomatoes for hours until most of the water evaporates. The result is a thick, deeply flavored paste that adds a robust tomato essence without watering down your dish. It’s different from tomato sauce or diced tomatoes because it’s more concentrated and less watery.
Why Use Tomato Paste?
– Adds depth and richness to sauces, soups, and stews
– Provides a natural umami boost that enhances savory dishes
– Gives dishes a vibrant, deep red color
– Thickens liquids and sauces without diluting flavor
How to Use Tomato Paste Correctly
Many people make the mistake of just dumping tomato paste into a dish and simmering it. But tomato paste needs a little love to unlock its full potential.
The Secret: Cook It First!
To bring out the best flavor, you should cook tomato paste before adding liquids. Here’s how:
- Sauté your aromatics first – onions, garlic, herbs, or spices in olive oil or butter.
- Add the tomato paste to the pan with the aromatics.
- Cook it on medium heat for a few minutes, stirring often. The paste will darken from bright red to a rich brick red or brown. This caramelization develops complex flavors and removes any raw or metallic taste.
- Once it’s fragrant and darker in color, add your liquids (broth, wine, crushed tomatoes, etc.) and scrape the pan to release all the caramelized bits.
This method boosts flavor and ensures the tomato paste integrates smoothly into your dish.
13 Delicious Ways to Use Tomato Paste
Here are some of the best ways to incorporate tomato paste into your cooking:
1. Hearty Stews and Braises
Tomato paste adds a savory depth to stews and braised meats. It complements the flavors of meat and vegetables, making dishes richer and more satisfying. For braises, it caramelizes beautifully in the cooking liquid, enhancing color and taste.
2. Pasta Sauces
Use tomato paste as the flavor base for classic Italian sauces like marinara or bolognese. After sautéing onions and garlic, stir in tomato paste and cook it down before adding crushed tomatoes and herbs. This shortcut cuts down cooking time while delivering a rich sauce.
3. Pizza Sauce
Spread a thin layer of tomato paste on pizza dough before adding toppings for a quick, flavorful pizza sauce. It gives a concentrated tomato punch without excess moisture.
4. Chili
Add tomato paste to chili for a deeper, more complex flavor. It enhances the spices and thickens the sauce, making your chili hearty and robust.
5. Macaroni and Cheese
Surprisingly, tomato paste can add richness and color to cheese sauces. It’s used in recipes like lobster mac and cheese to create a deeper, more flavorful sauce.
6. Soups
Tomato paste can thicken and enrich vegetable or meat-based soups. Add it early with aromatics and cook it down before adding broth for a fuller flavor.
7. Meatloaf and Meatballs
Mix tomato paste into meat mixtures to boost moisture and add a subtle tangy sweetness that balances the meat’s richness.
8. Marinades and BBQ Sauces
Incorporate tomato paste into marinades or homemade barbecue sauces for a thick, tangy base that clings well to grilled meats.
9. Rice and Grain Dishes
Stir tomato paste into rice or grain dishes while cooking to add color and a mild tomato flavor.
10. Vegetable Sautés
Add a spoonful of tomato paste when sautéing vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, or eggplant to enhance their natural flavors.
11. Sandwich Spreads
Mix tomato paste with mayo, mustard, or herbs for a quick sandwich spread or dip.
12. Eggs
Swirl tomato paste into shakshuka or scrambled eggs for a bright, savory twist.
13. Quick Tomato Glaze
Combine tomato paste with a bit of sugar, vinegar, and spices for a glaze to brush on roasted vegetables or meats.
Tips for Using Tomato Paste
– Use small amounts; a little goes a long way. One or two tablespoons can transform a dish.
– Store leftover tomato paste in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze in small portions to avoid waste.
– Always cook tomato paste with aromatics before adding liquids to develop flavor fully.
– Don’t add tomato paste too early when cooking onions; let the onions soften first to avoid burning the paste.
Tomato paste is a powerful ingredient that can elevate everyday meals into something special. With these tips and ideas, you’ll never overlook that little can or tube again.
Tomato paste is your secret weapon for rich, flavorful cooking-use it right, and your dishes will thank you.