Tomato Paste
Tomato paste concentrates tomatoes for depth and richness in recipes.
Flavor profile
Aroma: rich, intense tomato
Good to know
Origin: Middle East
Forms: paste
Storage: Store unopened in a cool place; refrigerate after opening.
How to use tomato paste
Building Flavor
Cook tomato paste in oil to caramelize its sugars, deepening umami and enhancing savory elements.
Thickening Sauces
Tomato paste's pectin and fiber thicken sauces, adding umami from concentrated tomatoes.
What goes with tomato paste
- Beef Chuck. Browned tomato paste adds umami and acid to beef braises.
- Eggplant. Tomato paste intensifies eggplant’s umami and sweetness.
- Garlic. Garlic's savoriness boosts tomato paste's umami.
- Basil. Basil's sweet anise notes contrast the acidity in tomato paste.
- Olive oil. Olive oil dissolves aroma compounds in tomato paste, intensifying flavors.
- Onion. Caramelized onion sugars soften tomato paste's sharp tang.
- Oregano. Oregano's volatile oils add herbal complexity to tomato paste.
- Parmesan. Parmesan and tomato paste stack glutamates in sauces.
- Pork Shoulder. Concentrated tomato paste adds umami and sweetness to a pork ragu.
- Red Wine. Tomato paste's umami and red wine's fruit make a deep braising base.
Mistakes to avoid
- Too much increases acidity harshness.
- Adding late lacks caramelized flavors.
Ideas for tonight
- Add to a Bolognese sauce.
- Stir into chili for depth.
- Use as a base for pizza sauces.
Tomato Paste: questions
What does tomato paste taste like?
Tomato paste concentrates tomatoes for depth and richness in recipes. Its strongest notes are warm, sweet, with an aroma that is rich, intense tomato.
What goes well with tomato paste?
Tomato Paste pairs best with beef chuck, eggplant, garlic, basil, olive oil. Browned tomato paste adds umami and acid to beef braises.
How do you use tomato paste in cooking?
Building Flavor: cook tomato paste in oil to caramelize its sugars, deepening umami and enhancing savory elements.
How should you store tomato paste?
Store unopened in a cool place; refrigerate after opening.
What is the most common mistake with tomato paste?
Too much increases acidity harshness.
