Tomato Paste
Elevate the flavor of your culinary creations with this easy, homemade tomato paste recipe—a pantry essential that's rich, velvety, and bursting with natural sweetness. Made from ripe, juicy tomatoes and subtly enhanced with olive oil, fine sea salt, and a touch of sugar, this slow-simmered recipe delivers an intensely concentrated flavor that store-bought versions simply can't match. Perfectly smooth and free of seeds and skin thanks to meticulous straining, this tomato paste is ideal for enhancing soups, stews, sauces, and more. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a versatile, preservative-free kitchen staple that stores beautifully in jars or freezer-friendly portions. Make this homemade tomato paste and transform your everyday dishes into gourmet delights!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2000 grams ripe tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
Thoroughly wash the tomatoes and remove any stems or blemished spots. Slice them into quarters.
Using a food mill or a large fine-mesh sieve, press the tomatoes to extract the juice and pulp, discarding the seeds and skin. This step ensures a smooth, seedless tomato paste.
Pour the extracted tomato juice and pulp into a large wide-based saucepan or pot. Add the olive oil, sea salt, and sugar, and stir to combine.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the mixture begins to reduce and thicken, lower the heat to medium-low.
Continue to simmer for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring frequently. As the mixture reduces, it will darken in color and develop a concentrated flavor. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
To check if the paste is ready, run a spatula through the center of the mixture. If it leaves a clear path and the paste holds its shape, it is done.
Allow the tomato paste to cool slightly. Transfer it into sterilized, airtight jars or freezer-safe containers, leaving a small gap at the top for expansion if freezing.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze in portions (e.g., in ice cube trays) for longer storage. Use as needed in your recipes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
629 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.0 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.3 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2041 mg | 89% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 82.2 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.0 g | 86% | |
| Total Sugars | 56.2 g | ||
| Protein | 18.0 g | 36% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 200 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 6.2 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 4740 mg | 101% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
