Tomato Paste

Solanum lycopersicum Pantry Staple, Sauce Base

Tomato Paste Pantry Staple, Sauce Base

At a Glance

  • Category Pantry Staple, Sauce Base

The Forktionary Angle

"The secret weapon for concentrated umami and robust depth in sauces and braises."

Definition

A thick concentrate made from cooked tomatoes, with seeds and skins removed, used to deepen and enrich the flavor of sauces and stews.

Browning Benefit Blooming" or cooking paste briefly enhances flavor and sweetness."
Flavor Concentration Equivalent to many fresh tomatoes, imparting deep umami.
Storage Tip Freeze unused paste in tablespoon portions for future use.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Tomato Paste are:

Concentrated Umami Sweet Tangy Intense Tomato

Chef’s Secret

Always bloom" tomato paste by sautéing it in oil for a few minutes before adding other liquids. This deepens its flavor and reduces raw acidity."

Best Substitutes

Crushed Tomatoes

ratio, cook down to thicken
Ratio 2:1

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

for intense flavor, rehydrate if needed
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose paste in tubes for convenience and less waste. Canned paste should have no dents or bulging.

Recipes Using Tomato Paste

Picnic American Barbecue Equipment

A Whole Chicken On The Grill

Unlock the juicy secrets of perfectly grilled whole chicken! This Spanish-inspired recipe from the New Basics Cookbook delivers a moist, flavorful bird bursting with succulent juices – no rotisserie needed! We skip trussing for even cooking, ensuring each bite is tender and delicious. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Main Ingredient Occasion Main Dish 60 Minutes Or Less

Aduki Bean Stew

Warm up with this comforting and flavorful Aduki Bean Stew! This adapted recipe boasts a rich blend of earthy vegetables and hearty aduki beans, simmered to perfection in a savory broth. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. Let us know how yours turns out!

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Dietary African Cuisine Occasion

African Chicken Peanut Soup

Impress your guests with this quick and flavorful African Chicken Peanut Soup! A zesty blend of savory chicken, creamy peanut butter, and warming spices creates a vibrant dish ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. (Spice level: Medium-High)

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Poultry Presentation Easy Cuisine

All American County Fair Prize Winning Chili

This legendary chili recipe, perfected over years, consistently wins raves! Make a massive batch (enough for 30-40 servings!) to freeze and enjoy for months. Its rich, flavorful profile (cumin-free!) is packed with heat and satisfying goodness. Perfect for chili dogs, or topped with cheddar, sour cream, bread, and nacho chips. Share your county fair success (and maybe your favorite pie recipe!) with me if you win!

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Healthy 2 Equipment Healthy Dietary

All Day Spaghetti Sauce

Unlock the secret to the richest, most flavorful spaghetti sauce! This recipe simmers all day, developing deep, complex flavors that will leave your family begging for more. Perfect for meal prepping, this sauce freezes beautifully in quart-size ziplock bags for easy storage and future deliciousness. Enjoy a taste of Italy without the all-day kitchen commitment!

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Low Cholesterol Course Easy Main Dish

Almost Fat Free Spaghetti Bolognese

This vibrant and healthy spaghetti bolognese recipe is packed with vegetables, making it a delicious and guilt-free way to enjoy a classic! We've minimized added fat, focusing on fresh flavors and a quick, easy cooking process. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is easily customizable to your favorite veggies. Microwave-prepping the vegetables saves even more time! Serve with a sprinkle of your favorite cheese (optional) for extra indulgence.

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Comfort Food To Go Low Cholesterol Course

American Chop Suey Just Like Mama Used To Make

Unlock a taste of New England nostalgia with this authentic American Chop Suey recipe! A beloved Boston-area diner staple, this hearty one-pot wonder is also known as Goulash in other regions. Perfect for budget-friendly meals, it's packed with flavor and delivers comforting warmth, reminiscent of simpler times. This recipe guarantees a taste of childhood memories – but please, call it 'American Chop Suey' to keep the tradition alive! Easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

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Course Inexpensive Course Main Ingredient

American Lasagna

Craving a saucy, rich, and comforting lasagna? This American twist skips the Italian sausage for a deliciously familiar flavor profile that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a hearty, cheesy lasagna that will become a new family favorite! Find the perfect balance of savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and tangy tomato sauce in every bite. Get ready to be amazed!

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Mexican Time To Make North American Condiments Etc

Ancho And Chipotle Mole

Indulge in the rich, smoky depths of this Ancho and Chipotle Mole, a Food & Wine staff favorite! Perfect for steak, pork, chicken, turkey, shrimp, or beans – simply simmer your protein in the sauce for a decadent mole stew. This make-ahead marvel can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Get ready for a flavor journey that's as satisfying as it is simple!

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Vegetables Dinner Party Canning 4 Hours Or Less

Antipasto

This award-winning antipasto recipe is a flavor explosion! Requested at every gathering, it's unbelievably delicious on crackers or as a stunning cold topping for brie. This vibrant medley of marinated vegetables, olives, and seafood is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for parties, appetizers, or a unique addition to your charcuterie board.

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Main Dish Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Steak

Argentine Style Stuffed Flank Steak

Experience the rich flavors of Argentina with this incredible stuffed flank steak recipe! Perfectly tender and bursting with savory goodness, this show-stopping dish is easier to make than you think. Marinated in a vibrant blend of spices and herbs, then generously stuffed with prosciutto, spinach, and a medley of vegetables, this impressive centerpiece is sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey!

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Pasta Rice And Grains Course Main Dish One Dish Meal

Authentic Italian Crock Pot Lasagna

This irresistible Crock-Pot lasagna recipe, passed down through generations of my Italian family, delivers rich, savory flavors with surprising ease. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this slow-cooked masterpiece requires minimal effort for maximum taste. Enjoy tender lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta, and a vibrant meat sauce, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. This recipe is easily adaptable to larger gatherings, and can even be prepped a day in advance for ultimate convenience!

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4 Hours Or Less European Cuisine Course

Baked Lasagne

A classic, comforting baked lasagna recipe passed down through generations! This hearty dish features layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and perfectly baked pasta, topped with melted mozzarella. Get ready to savor every bite of this family favorite.

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Healthy Low In Something Course Preparation

Basic Cheese Pizza

Craving authentic New York-style pizza but disappointed by local options? This recipe is your solution! Developed over six years of perfecting the art of pizza-making after a move to Kansas City, this foolproof recipe delivers delicious, customizable pies every time. It's so simple, you can make it with your eyes closed! Start with this cheesy base, then get creative with your favorite toppings like Italian sausage, mushrooms, zucchini, or prosciutto for a healthy and flavorful twist. Get ready to experience pizza perfection!

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Time To Make Course Pasta Time To Make

Beef Bourguignonne With Egg Noodles

Indulge in this classic French comfort food, Beef Bourguignonne, elevated with perfectly cooked egg noodles! This rich and savory stew, adapted from a Southern Living cookbook, features tender beef slow-cooked in a deep, burgundy wine sauce with bacon, mushrooms, and aromatic vegetables. Even better the next day, this recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor!

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Meat Equipment Low Carb 3 Steps Or Less

Beef Stew Crock Pot

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef stew, slow-cooked to perfection in your crock pot! This easy recipe requires minimal prep and yields a hearty, flavorful meal the whole family will love. Perfect for a cozy night in!

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Time To Make Cuisine European Main Dish

Beef Stifado

Experience the rich, savory flavors of authentic Greek Beef Stifado! This slow cooker recipe transforms tough beef into incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Simmered for hours with onions, tomatoes, warming spices, and sweet raisins, this hearty stew is a comforting classic. Serve over fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Dietary Main Ingredient Taste Mood Meat

Beef Stroganoff From The Old Russian Tea Room

Experience the legendary Beef Stroganoff from the original NYC Russian Tea Room (before the change in ownership)! This authentic recipe, using traditional methods and served over rice (not noodles), delivers an unforgettable flavor experience. No shortcuts here – just rich, tender beef in a creamy, savory sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal.

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