Tomato paste with spices

Spiced Tomato Paste: A Delight You Can Make at Home

Total Time: 2 hours
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1-1.5 hours
Number of Servings: 5-6 jars

Who doesn't love the enticing aroma of fresh tomatoes turned into tomato paste? This recipe not only helps you use tomatoes that are about to spoil but also provides a delicious base for pizza, soups, stews, or even stuffed cabbage. With a combination of spices, this dish becomes a true source of flavor that will enrich your meals.

The history of tomato paste is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary traditions. It is believed that the process of preserving tomatoes began out of the need to keep them for longer periods, especially during the cold season. Today, tomato paste is an essential ingredient in many kitchens, bringing a rich and vibrant taste to our dishes.

Necessary Ingredients:

- 2 kg of fresh tomatoes (ideally, well-ripened tomatoes)
- 4-5 garlic cloves (or more, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- Dried spices of your choice:
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 2-3 cloves
- 1 teaspoon of marjoram
- 1/2 teaspoon of allspice
- 1 teaspoon of lovage
- 1 teaspoon of basil

Helpful Tips for Ingredients:

- Choose ripe and aromatic tomatoes, as the taste of the tomato paste will heavily depend on their quality. Roma or San Marzano tomatoes are ideal for a more concentrated paste.
- If you don't have all the spices on hand, don't worry! You can experiment with what you have in the kitchen. Even a simple mix of basil and oregano can work wonders.
- The garlic can be adjusted according to your preferences. If you're a fan of this ingredient, add more!

Step by Step in Making Tomato Paste:

1. Washing the Tomatoes: Start by thoroughly washing all the tomatoes under cold running water. Make sure to remove any impurities or pesticide residues.

2. Blanching and Peeling: Place the tomatoes in a large pot of boiling water for about 1-2 minutes, until the skin starts to crack. After that, remove them and immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water. This technique will allow you to peel them easily.

3. Blending: Once peeled, place the tomatoes in a food processor and blend until you achieve a smooth paste. If you prefer a thicker texture, you can leave some chunks.

4. Cooking: Transfer the tomato paste to a large pot, add the salt, sugar, and spices. Put everything over medium heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. The cooking process will take about 1-1.5 hours, and the paste will thicken.

5. Adding Garlic: About 10 minutes before removing the paste from the heat, finely chop the 4-5 garlic cloves and add them to the pot. This will add a delicious aroma and deep flavor to your paste.

6. Bottling: When the paste has thickened sufficiently, pour it into clean jars, leaving a little space at the top. Cover them with new lids and prepare them for preservation.

7. Canning: Place the jars in boiling water and let them can for about 30 minutes. This will help seal the jars and preserve the flavors.

8. Cooling and Storing: After you’re done, let the jars cool completely and store them in a cool, dark place. The tomato paste can be kept for up to a year, but it will surely disappear quickly from your pantry!

Serving Suggestions and Combinations:

Spiced tomato paste is extremely versatile. You can use it as a base for pizza, adding your favorite toppings, or use it in your favorite soup or stew recipes. It is also fantastic when combined with cooked pasta, providing a rich flavor.

For a personal touch, you can add some fresh basil or oregano leaves before serving for an extra burst of flavor. Additionally, at a festive meal, you can accompany the tomato paste with goat cheese or grated parmesan, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use canned tomatoes?: Yes, you can use canned tomatoes, but the taste will be different. Fresh tomatoes provide a more vibrant flavor.
- How can I enhance the flavor of the paste?: Experiment with spices! You can add fresh herbs or even a drizzle of olive oil at the end.
- How long can I keep the tomato paste?: If sealed properly, it can be kept for up to a year in the pantry. After opening, store it in the fridge and consume it within a few weeks.

Nutritional Benefits:

Tomato paste is rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and lycopene, a compound that helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It also contains fiber and is low in calories, making it a healthy ingredient for a balanced diet.

This spiced tomato paste recipe will not only satisfy your taste buds but will also bring a touch of tradition and love to every dish. So, don't wait any longer! Transform your tomatoes into this delicacy and enjoy the authentic flavor of homemade tomato paste!