Tomato paste

Tomatoes cooked down and strained into a thick, deep-red concentrate. A spoonful adds savory depth and a little sweetness to sauces, braises, and soups.

Used for

  • pasta sauces
  • braises
  • chili
  • soups
  • marinades

In the kitchen

  • sauté
  • stir
  • whisk
  • blend

Picking it at the store

  • The tube keeps for weeks in the fridge once opened; a can needs to be moved to a jar and used within about a week
  • Cook it in oil for a minute or two before adding liquid. It turns brick-red and loses its raw, tinny edge

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