Tomato paste is made by simmering tomatoes for hours until most of the water evaporates. After reducing the pulp to a thick, deep red concentrate, producers strain out skins and seeds for a smooth, velvety texture. A tomato paste can typically contains only tomatoes, though some brands add a small amount of salt. Because it’s so intense, you only need a tablespoon or two to flavor a full pot of soup or stew.
Concentrated tomato flavor works magic in dishes. Adding just a dollop transforms bland sauces into savory, bright, well-balanced masterpieces. Home cooks value its ability to create depth without relying on long simmering times.
A Quick Look at History
Culinary traditions from Italy to the Middle East embraced tomato paste long before it became an international pantry essential. Italian grandmothers prepared it by spreading tomato puree onto wooden boards and drying it under the sun for days. Mediterranean cooks frequently mixed it with olive oil, garlic, and herbs to build flavorful bases for meat dishes. Modern packaging made it shelf-stable, portable, and widely available. A tomato paste can essentially distilled generations of technique into a neat, reliable ingredient anyone could store at home.
Why Cans Still Matter
Squeezable tubes are gaining popularity, yet the classic tomato paste can remains a favorite. Canned paste holds flavor exceptionally well and often tastes richer than tube varieties, especially when sealed with minimal added ingredients. Bulk purchasing is also easier with cans, making it economical for frequent cooks.
Another overlooked benefit is caramelization. Scooping tomato paste out of a can and frying it lightly in oil helps the sugars darken and develop a deeper, almost smoky complexity. If you’ve ever wondered why restaurant sauces taste richer, this simple step is often the secret.
Creative Ways to Use Tomato Paste
Below are delicious and surprising methods to get the most out of your next tomato paste can.
1. Build Umami-Rich Bases
Start by sautéing onions, garlic, or shallots. Add one or two tablespoons of tomato paste and fry it until the color deepens. This technique forms the backbone of everything from chili and bolognese to lentil soup.
2. Boost Everyday Sauces
Mix paste into store-bought pasta sauce, barbecue sauces, or jarred curry pastes. A tiny amount balances acidity and sweetness while adding a homemade touch.
3. Create Fast Marinades
Blend tomato paste with soy sauce, vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and olive oil. This mixture clings beautifully to chicken, beef, or roasted vegetables.
4. Transform Sandwiches and Wraps
Spread a thin layer of seasoned tomato paste for a tangy upgrade. Add dried oregano, chili flakes, or garlic powder for a pizza-like flavor.
5. Stir Into Broths
A teaspoon or two enriches vegetable or meat broths instantly, especially in slow-cooker recipes that need depth without long prep.
6. Make Homemade Tomato Drinks
Mix paste with water, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and celery seed to create a quick tomato beverage or a base for a homemade Bloody Mary mix.
7. Reinvent Dips and Spreads
Whip tomato paste into hummus, yogurt, or cream cheese for a colorful, flavorful dip that pairs well with pita, chips, or raw vegetables.
How to Store Tomato Paste Properly
A full tomato paste can is easy to store; an opened one can be tricky. No one wants to waste most of a can after using just a tablespoon. Fortunately, several smart options help avoid waste:
Freeze in Portions
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto parchment paper or into an ice cube tray. Freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. This gives you perfectly sized portions ready to drop into sauces or soups.
Use Small Airtight Containers
Spread leftover paste thinly in a small glass jar and top with olive oil to create a seal. This maintains freshness for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Choose Recipes That Use More Paste
Plan meals that use tomato paste in multiple ways—soup today, marinade tomorrow, pasta sauce the next evening—to ensure you finish the can without waste.
Choosing the Best Tomato Paste
Quality varies by brand, and tasting a few helps you find your favorite. Look for cans labeled:
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100% tomatoes (no additives)
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Double or triple concentrated for stronger flavor
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Organic if you prefer fewer chemicals and pesticides
Some brands roast tomatoes before processing, resulting in a darker, sweeter paste. Others use sun-ripened tomatoes for a bright, tangy profile.
Sustainable and Creative Reuse of Tomato Paste Cans
Plus, the tomato paste can itself can inspire creativity. After washing and drying, repurpose it as a mini planter for herbs, a countertop pen holder, a tealight candle container, or even a small scoop for garden soil or birdseed. Small cans make lovely rustic decorations for kitchen shelves or windowsills.
Craft enthusiasts can paint cans, wrap them in twine or fabric, or add magnetic strips to create tiny fridge organizers. Instead of tossing the metal, a little creativity can give it a second life.
A Simple but Flavorful Recipe Using Tomato Paste
Here’s a quick dinner idea to show how a tomato paste can elevates a meal without much effort:
One-Pot Tomato Butter Pasta
Ingredients:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3 tbsp tomato paste
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2 cups water or broth
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1 cup cream or milk
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8 oz pasta
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2 tbsp butter
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Salt, pepper, chili flakes
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Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions:
Sauté onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and tomato paste; fry until brick red and fragrant. Pour in water or broth, then add pasta. Stir occasionally until noodles cook and liquid thickens. Add butter and cream. Season well. Serve with basil.
This single dish shows just how much aroma and richness tomato paste can contribute.
Final Thoughts
Cooks everywhere value the depth, convenience, and versatility a tomato paste can provides. Whether you use it to build slow-cooked stews, whip together fast weekday meals, or craft flavorful marinades, it deserves a special place in every pantry. Small though it is, it packs the essence of ripe tomatoes and centuries of culinary tradition into one simple container—ready whenever inspiration strikes.
