Tomato paste

Homemade Tomato Paste Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10 jars of 400g

Welcome to the delicious world of summer cooking! Today, I propose a homemade tomato paste recipe, an essential ingredient in many of our dishes, which is not only tasty but also packed with nutritional benefits. Whether you use it in soups, sauces, or baked dishes, this freshly made tomato paste will bring an unmistakable flavor to your meals.

A brief history of tomato paste

Tomato paste has a rich history, having been used since ancient times as a staple ingredient in kitchens around the world. Cooking tomatoes not only intensifies their flavor but also helps preserve them for longer periods. Known for their high lycopene content, tomatoes are a superfood, full of antioxidants that help maintain heart health and reduce inflammation.

Necessary ingredients

- 12 kg fresh tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of coarse salt
- Ground pepper (or whole, according to preference)
- 4-5 bay leaves
- About 1 small cup of oil (preferably olive oil, for a more intense flavor)
- Celery leaves, basil, dill, or other herbs (optional, for a personalized taste)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the tomatoes
Start by washing the tomatoes well under a stream of cold water. It is important to remove any impurities. You can use ripe and meaty tomatoes to achieve a higher quality paste.

2. Blanching the tomatoes
Put a large pot of water on the stove and wait for it to boil. When the water reaches boiling point, add the tomatoes for about 1 minute. This step will make the skins come off more easily. After a minute, remove the tomatoes with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a bowl of cold water to cool.

3. Peeling and cleaning
After the tomatoes have cooled enough to be handled, remove the skins and stems. I recommend using a sharp knife to facilitate this process.

4. Preparing the paste
Place the peeled tomatoes in a blender and blend until you obtain a smooth paste. If you prefer a finer texture, you can pass the paste through a seed separator.

5. Cooking the paste
In a cast-iron pot, add the oil and, once heated, pour in the tomato paste. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes.

6. Flavoring
After 20 minutes, add the salt, pepper, and broken bay leaves. Cook the mixture until the paste thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Adjust the seasonings to your taste. If desired, you can also add fresh herbs for a more complex flavor.

7. Preserving
Wash the bottles well with hot water and let them drain. As soon as the tomato paste is ready, turn off the stove and pour the hot paste into the bottles. Tightly seal the caps and wrap them in a blanket to retain heat. Leave them like this overnight to cool gradually.

8. Storing
The next day, take the bottles to a cool and dark place. The tomato paste can be stored for several months, providing you with a delicious reserve for your dishes.

Serving suggestions

This tomato paste is incredibly versatile! You can use it as a base for pasta sauces, in soups, or baked dishes. It also pairs wonderfully with pizza or in traditional recipes. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a bit of garlic or chili for a spicier flavor.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use canned tomatoes?
It is recommended to use fresh tomatoes for a more intense flavor, but you can also use canned tomatoes if needed.

- How can I adjust the consistency of the tomato paste?
If you want a thicker paste, cook it longer. If you prefer a more fluid texture, you can add a little water.

- How can I vary the recipe?
You can experiment by adding different herbs or vegetables, such as carrots or onions, to achieve a unique flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Lycopene, a compound found in tomatoes, is known for its beneficial properties for heart health and the immune system.

Calories

This tomato paste contains approximately 30 calories per 100g, making it a healthy and low-calorie option, perfect for a balanced diet.

Now that you have all the necessary information, don’t hesitate to start making this delicious tomato paste that will transform your meals into true feasts! Enjoy every step of the process and experiment with flavors and ingredients. Cooking is an art, and you are the artist!