Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated form of tomatoes that has been cooked down to remove most of the moisture. It’s a common ingredient in many cuisines, valued for its rich, deep tomato flavor and its ability to add body and color to dishes. Here’s a deeper look into tomato paste:
How Tomato Paste is Made:
Tomato paste is made by cooking tomatoes slowly to reduce the water content and concentrating their natural flavors. The process involves:
- Cooking: Fresh tomatoes are cooked to break down the flesh.
- Straining: The cooked tomatoes are strained to remove seeds and skins, leaving a smooth, thick pulp.
- Reduction: The tomato pulp is then cooked further to evaporate the remaining water until a thick paste forms.
- Canning or Packaging: Tomato paste is often packed into cans, jars, or tubes for preservation.
Culinary Uses of Tomato Paste:
- Base for Sauces: Tomato paste is a foundational ingredient in many sauces, including marinara, Bolognese, and other pasta sauces. It is often sautéed with garlic, onions, and other aromatics to develop its flavor.
- Soups and Stews: Adding tomato paste to soups and stews gives them a rich tomato flavor. It’s commonly used in dishes like chili, minestrone, and beef stew to enhance the base.
- Curries: In Indian and Middle Eastern curries, tomato paste is used to thicken the sauce and add depth of flavor, combining well with spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
- Pizza Sauce: Tomato paste is often a base for making homemade pizza sauce, offering a concentrated flavor that’s enhanced with herbs, garlic, and olive oil.
- Meat Dishes: Tomato paste is used in braised meat dishes, such as beef brisket, lamb stew, or meatloaf, to add a rich, savory taste.
- Flavor Enhancer: Even in small amounts, tomato paste can enhance the flavor of dishes without adding excess liquid. For example, it can be added to stir-fries, meat marinades, or grilled vegetables to give them an umami-rich depth.
- Ketchup Substitute: In some recipes, tomato paste can serve as a quick substitute for ketchup by mixing it with vinegar, sugar, and spices.
How to Use Tomato Paste Effectively:
- Browning for Depth: One key to using tomato paste in cooking is to sauté it in oil or butter for a few minutes before adding other liquids. This process, known as “blooming” or “caramelizing,” enhances its flavor by bringing out its natural sweetness and reducing acidity.
- Thickening Agent: Tomato paste can be used to thicken sauces, soups, and stews. A spoonful or two can add body to watery sauces without diluting the flavor.
Health Benefits:
- Rich in Lycopene: Tomato paste is an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer, particularly prostate cancer. Cooking tomatoes increases the bioavailability of lycopene, making tomato paste a potent source.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Tomato paste is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for immune health, skin health, and maintaining good blood pressure.
- Low in Calories: Tomato paste is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy flavor booster in various dishes.
Types of Tomato Paste:
- Double Concentrated: This is a more concentrated version of regular tomato paste. It has a thicker consistency and a more intense tomato flavor. It is often sold in tubes, which makes it easier to store and use in small amounts.
- Regular Tomato Paste: This is the standard variety that comes in cans or jars and is commonly used in cooking. It can be diluted with water or broth to create tomato sauce if needed.
- Flavored Tomato Paste: Some brands offer tomato paste pre-seasoned with garlic, basil, or other herbs and spices to provide a more complex flavor.
Storage Tips:
- Opened Cans or Jars: Once opened, tomato paste can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To extend its shelf life, you can freeze the paste in small portions (using an ice cube tray) and defrost as needed.
- Tomato Paste in Tubes: Tomato paste that comes in tubes is more convenient for occasional use. It stays fresh for a longer period compared to canned paste and can be stored in the fridge after opening.
Tomato Paste vs. Tomato Sauce vs. Tomato Puree:
- Tomato Paste is the most concentrated form, with a thick texture and intense flavor.
- Tomato Sauce is thinner and has a more liquid consistency, often seasoned with herbs and spices, and is ready to use in pasta dishes or as a base for sauces.
- Tomato Puree is less concentrated than tomato paste but thicker than tomato sauce. It’s usually made from cooked and strained tomatoes without added seasoning.
Homemade Tomato Paste:
Making tomato paste at home is relatively simple but time-consuming. Here’s a basic method:
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes, core them, and chop them roughly.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Simmer the tomatoes in a large pot until they break down, stirring occasionally.
- Strain: Pass the cooked tomatoes through a food mill or fine mesh sieve to remove skins and seeds.
- Cook Down: Return the strained tomato pulp to the pot and cook over low heat until most of the water evaporates, and the mixture thickens into a paste.
- Store: Once thickened, the paste can be stored in jars or frozen for later use.
