Homemade Tomato Paste
Homemade tomato paste is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can take your cooking to the next level. It is thick and rich, adding a burst of flavor to many dishes. Making your own tomato paste is not only satisfying, but it also allows you to control the quality of ingredients you use.
Why Make This Recipe
Making homemade tomato paste has several benefits. First, you know exactly what goes into it—just fresh tomatoes and a few simple ingredients. This means no preservatives or additives. Second, homemade tomato paste often tastes better than store-bought versions because it’s fresh and can be customized to your liking. Lastly, making your own allows you to enjoy the taste of summer tomatoes all year round.
How to Make Homemade Tomato Paste
Ingredients:
- Fresh tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Optional herbs (e.g., basil, oregano)
Directions:
- Wash and core the tomatoes.
- Cut them into quarters and place them in a large pot.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and release their juices.
- Pass the cooked tomatoes through a food mill or fine sieve to remove the skins and seeds.
- Return the smooth tomato puree to the pot and simmer on low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Add olive oil and salt to taste.
- If desired, incorporate herbs during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Let cool and store in jars in the refrigerator or freeze for later use.
How to Serve Homemade Tomato Paste
You can use homemade tomato paste in various ways. It’s excellent in sauces, soups, stews, and casseroles. You can also mix it with butter for a quick flavorful spread or add it to pizza and pasta dishes for extra depth of flavor.
How to Store Homemade Tomato Paste
Store homemade tomato paste in clean jars. If you plan to use it within a week, keep it in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can easily use the amount you need in the future.
Tips to Make Homemade Tomato Paste
- Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste.
- If you want a richer flavor, roast the tomatoes in the oven before cooking them down.
- Make a large batch at the end of tomato season to enjoy fresh tomato flavor all year long.
Variation
You can experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to change the flavor. Add some garlic for a more robust taste if you like.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes to make tomato paste?
A: Yes, you can use canned tomatoes, but fresh tomatoes will give you a better flavor and a thicker paste.
Q: How long does homemade tomato paste last?
A: It can last about a week in the fridge. If frozen, it can last several months.
Q: Can I add spices or other ingredients to the tomato paste?
A: Yes, feel free to add spices or other ingredients like garlic or onion to personalize your paste!
Homemade Tomato Paste
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh tomatoes Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Add more to taste if desired.
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust salt to taste.
Optional ingredients
- herbs (e.g., basil, oregano) Incorporate during the last few minutes of cooking for added flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and core the tomatoes.
- Cut them into quarters and place them in a large pot.
Cooking
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and release their juices.
- Pass the cooked tomatoes through a food mill or fine sieve to remove the skins and seeds.
- Return the smooth tomato puree to the pot and simmer on low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Add olive oil and salt to taste.
- If desired, incorporate herbs during the last few minutes of cooking.
Storage
- Let cool and store in jars in the refrigerator or freeze for later use.
