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

Pasta Dietary Ground Beef Occasion

1950's Hamburger Goulash

This nostalgic 1950s Hamburger Goulash recipe is a family favorite, brimming with savory flavors! Garlic, mushrooms, peppers, and bacon create a comforting base, while oregano adds a unique twist that sets it apart from ordinary hamburger casseroles. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Using frozen cooked ground beef (optional) significantly cuts down on prep time. The optional breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch, making it perfect for company! Doubles easily for a crowd.

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Preparation Vegetarian Preparation Dietary

25 Clove Garlic Soup

Indulge your love for garlic with this rich and flavorful 25 Clove Garlic Soup! Don't be intimidated by the cloves – slow cooking mellows the garlic into a sweet, savory depth that will leave you wanting more. This creamy, comforting soup is perfect for a chilly evening and surprisingly easy to make.

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Weeknight Occasion Course Main Dish

5 Star Spaghetti Meatballs

This legendary spaghetti and meatballs recipe, passed down through generations, is a family favorite guaranteed to impress! Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. Your family and friends will be begging for seconds (and take-home containers!).

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Beans Beans Occasion Time To Make

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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Meat Pasta Rice And Grains Cuisine Course

Al Kabsa Traditional Saudi Rice Chicken Dish

Experience the rich flavors of authentic Al Kabsa, a traditional Saudi Arabian dish! This recipe features tender chicken simmered in a fragrant blend of spices and served over fluffy rice. A delightful variation on this classic, perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal or a special occasion. Get ready to savor the aromatic spices and succulent chicken in this easy-to-follow recipe. Discover the magic of Al Kabsa today!

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Free Of Something Low Calorie Easy Ramadan

Albanian White Bean Soup Jani Me Fasule

Warm your soul with this hearty Albanian White Bean Soup (Jani me Fasule)! This rich and flavorful soup is a beloved dish in both Albania and Greece, perfect for a comforting meal any time of year, especially during Ramadan as part of Suhoor or Futoor. This recipe features butter and paprika for a uniquely delicious twist. Imagine the creamy texture of the white beans, the savory depth of the onions and spices, all culminating in a taste sensation you won't forget. Prepare to be amazed!

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Seasonal Easy Equipment Beans

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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Preparation North American Healthy Side Dishes

Amazingly Easy Spanish Rice

Conquer dinner in 15 minutes with this unbelievably easy and delicious Spanish rice recipe! A quick and flavorful side dish that even rivals Grandma's (and tastes better, according to my husband!). Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Impress your family with authentic flavors without the hours of prep time.

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Beef Main Ingredient Main Dish Course

America's Test Kitchen Slow Cooker Beef Burgundy

Experience the rich, decadent flavors of classic Beef Burgundy, effortlessly made in your slow cooker! This America's Test Kitchen-inspired recipe delivers tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef in a deeply flavorful red wine sauce. Forget long stovetop hours – this surprisingly easy recipe is a weeknight winner, perfect for impressing family and friends. Prepare for a taste sensation you won't believe came from a slow cooker!

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Healthy 2 Penne Pasta Healthy 2

Arrabiata Penne

Spice up your weeknight with this fiery Arrabiata Penne! This delightfully simple pasta dish explodes with flavor, thanks to a vibrant tomato sauce infused with a generous kick of chili. The perfect balance of heat and sweetness makes it irresistible. Served with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, crusty bread, and a glass of your favorite red wine – it's a meal you'll savor every bite of.

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Low In Something Spanish Low Calorie Main Ingredient

Authentic Spanish Paella

Master the art of Paella with this incredible recipe! Developed over a year of experimentation, this recipe delivers an authentic Spanish Paella experience, perfect for a crowd. Cooked in an 18" paella pan over an open flame (a Weber grill is ideal!), this recipe blends succulent seafood and tender meats for a truly unforgettable flavor. While purists debate the meat and seafood combination, our experience across Spain shows this delicious mix is widely enjoyed. Easily adaptable for smaller stovetop pans – simply halve the recipe. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this vibrant and flavorful masterpiece!

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Healthy Preparation Occasion Low Calorie

Autumn Sausage Soup

Warm up with this comforting Autumn Sausage Soup! This easy recipe relies on the rich flavor of farmer's sausage and sweet green peppers for a delicious, subtly spiced soup perfect for chilly evenings. No fancy spices needed – just simple ingredients and big flavor!

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Easy Course Preparation Cuisine

Baked Manicotti With Pepperoni Meat Sauce

Craving a comforting, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful dinner? This Baked Manicotti with Pepperoni Meat Sauce recipe is your answer! Using convenient no-boil lasagna noodles, this recipe is surprisingly quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights. Adapted from Cook's Country TV and perfected for family enjoyment, this dish is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready for a taste of pure Italian-American deliciousness!

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Seasonal Course Beef Easy

Beef And Beer Stew

Warm up with this hearty Beef and Beer Stew, a family recipe perfected over generations! Tender beef chunks simmer in a rich, flavorful broth infused with the subtle sweetness of beer (easily substitutable with beef stock). This recipe is incredibly satisfying, even better the next day (perfect for meal prepping!) and freezes beautifully for future enjoyment. Get ready for a comforting classic!

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Main Dish Time To Make Very Low Carbs Steak

Beef In Red Wine Mushroom Sauce

Ron Kalenuiks' legendary Beef in Red Wine Mushroom Sauce recipe! This decadent dish features tender beef simmered in a luxurious red wine sauce, bursting with earthy mushrooms and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner.

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Cuisine Dinner Party Roast Beef Beef

Beef Tenderloin With Roasted Shallots

Elevate your culinary game with this impressive Beef Tenderloin recipe, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special night in. Inspired by Christine's acclaimed recipe (allrecipes.com), this gourmet meal features melt-in-your-mouth beef tenderloin and a decadent shallot sauce that's simply unforgettable. While slightly time-consuming, the results are well worth the effort – even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. The shallots can be prepped a day ahead, making this ideal for busy schedules and holiday entertaining. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation Number Of Servings Main Dish Preparation

Best Chili Ever

Rachael Ray's award-winning chili recipe! This isn't your grandma's chili – it's a flavor explosion with unexpected ingredients that will leave you craving more. The secret? Fennel seed, ground cinnamon, and unsweetened cocoa powder create a depth of flavor unlike anything you've ever tasted. This recipe is incredibly versatile: make it on the stovetop or slow cook it in your crockpot for an effortless, all-day simmer. Serve with your favorite toppings and prepare for rave reviews!

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Comfort Food Main Ingredient Stove Top Potluck

Smoked Sausage Cassoulet

Indulge in this rich and flavorful Smoked Sausage Cassoulet, a classic French recipe elevated for the modern palate. This hearty one-pot wonder is bursting with smoky sausage, tender beans, sweet apples, and fragrant herbs. The recipe's slow-simmered magic develops incredible depth, making it taste even better the next day! Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

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