Tomato paste

Homemade Tomato Paste: An Essential Delight for Every Kitchen

Who doesn't love the fresh and vibrant taste of summer tomatoes? This simple yet refined recipe for homemade tomato paste will bring not only authentic flavors to your plate but also a piece of cooking tradition. Tomato paste is a versatile ingredient, ideal for sauces, soups, or even as a base for various dishes. Moreover, it is a healthy choice, packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 jars of tomato paste

Necessary ingredients:
- 5-6 kg ripe, well-selected tomatoes (choose Roma or San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of coarse salt (salt helps preserve and enhance flavors)
- Pepper, to taste (optional but recommended)
- 7-8 fresh celery leaves (for a distinct flavor)
- About 1 small cup of olive oil (use quality oil for a complex taste)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the tomatoes:
Start by thoroughly washing the tomatoes under cold running water. This is an essential step to remove any impurities. Then, place a large pot of water on the stove and wait for it to boil. When the water reaches a boiling point, add the tomatoes and let them boil for 1 minute. This process will help them peel more easily.

2. Peeling and chopping the tomatoes:
After boiling, use a slotted spoon to remove the tomatoes and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once they are cool, carefully peel them and remove the stems. Use a blender or meat grinder to turn the peeled tomatoes into puree.

3. Cooking the paste:
In a large pot, pour a little olive oil and add the tomato puree. It is important to choose a pot with a thick bottom to avoid sticking and burning. Bring the paste to medium heat and add salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Adding flavor:
Meanwhile, finely chop the celery leaves and add them to the pot. They will add an extra layer of flavor to your paste. Continue cooking until the paste reduces to half its volume, being careful not to let it become too thick or too thin.

5. Bottling:
While the paste is still hot, prepare the bottles or jars. Wash them well with hot water to eliminate bacteria. Fill them with hot tomato paste, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Cap or seal the jars and wrap them in a blanket to retain heat.

6. Cooling and storing:
Let the jars cool completely overnight. The next day, store them in a cool, dark place, and enjoy the taste of tomatoes throughout the year!

Helpful tips:
- Choose quality, ripe tomatoes, as the quality of the ingredients directly influences the final taste of the paste.
- If you want a finer paste, you can strain it through a sieve after cooking.
- This tomato paste can be stored in the refrigerator for a few months, but ensure that the jars are well sealed.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Tomato paste is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It also contains vitamins A and C, essential for skin health and the immune system. A serving of 100 g of tomato paste contains about 80 calories, making it a healthy option for various dishes.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of tomatoes? Yes, but the result will vary depending on the type chosen. Tomatoes with more flesh are ideal for a thicker paste.
- How can I use tomato paste? It is perfect for pasta sauces, soups, stews, or as a base for pizza.
- Can I freeze tomato paste? Yes, you can freeze the paste in small portions for later use.

Possible variations:
If you want to add extra flavor, you can experiment with herbs like basil or oregano, which you can add during cooking. Additionally, a splash of red wine can add a note of complexity and depth.

Serving:
Tomato paste can be served as a base in a pasta sauce, alongside grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. It is also delicious on toasted bread as bruschetta, drizzled with olive oil and garlic.

Create your own cooking ritual with this tomato paste recipe and let yourself be carried away by the aroma and vibrant color of fresh tomatoes. Every jar you fill is not just a recipe but also a family story, a way to bring summer memories to your table, regardless of the season.