How to Make Tomato Paste From Diced Tomatoes
Tomato paste is a versatile kitchen ingredient that adds pizzazz to a variety of foods. From adding flavor to pastas, stews and soups, to being used as a tangy dip and spread, tomato paste serves as a wonderful addition to any meal. While tomato paste is widely available commercially in tubes, cans and cartons, you can also make tomato paste at home. Cut down on unhealthy preservatives and high salt content in ready-made sauces by dicing tomatoes and using them to prepare your own tomato paste. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 5 lbs. fresh tomatoes
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- Wide-bottomed pan
- Food mill
- Baking tray
- Airtight container
Instructions
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1
Use 5 lbs. of ripe tomatoes to prepare the tomato paste. Wash and drain the tomatoes. Chop them into 2-inch cubes. Dicing the tomatoes will enable the enzymes to easily break down while cooking and form a smooth paste.
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2
Heat 2 tbsp. of olive oil in a wide-bottomed pan. Add the chopped tomatoes and 1/2 tsp. of sea salt. Allow the mixture to simmer to a boil on medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the tomatoes from sticking to the base of the pan. The tomatoes will release water as they soften and begin to boil. Cook for three minutes, turn off the heat and allow the tomato mixture to cool.
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3
Pour the tomato mixture in a food mill. Pass the mixture through the finest plate of the food mill. Separate the tomato pulp from the seeds and skin. Discard the seeds and skin.
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4
Gently rub 1 tbsp. of olive oil all over a baking tray or roasting pan. Pour the tomato pulp in the baking tray. Set the oven temperature at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the tray in the oven for two hours or until the liquid evaporates and the tomato paste turns semi-dry, and attains a brick-red, glistening texture.
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5
Allow the tomato paste to cool. Pour in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
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Tips & Warnings
Freeze the tomato paste in freezer bags or ice cube trays for longer storage of up to six months.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
