Who knew there could be SO much flavor in that tiny little can?
The Secret Technique for Getting Big Flavor out of a Tiny Can of Tomato Paste
Updated on May 27, 2021
I’m going to let you in on a little secret that will make your pasta sauce taste better than it ever has. Over the years, we’ve added it to numerous pasta sauces and hearty stews, but most of the time we just stir it in with all the other ingredients, and therein lies our error. That little can or tube of tomato paste is hiding many flavor secrets; you just need to know how to coax it out.
The Trick
Cook the tomato paste a bit before you use it. Yes, it’s that simple. Stir the amount of paste you need in a saucepan over medium-high heat for a few minutes, being careful to not let it scorch on the bottom of the pan. You’ll know it’s ready when the color starts to darken a little and the tomato aroma is very intense. By heating it for just a few minutes the sugar in the paste starts to caramelize, which adds so many complex flavors to any dish you use it in.
Why does this work? Tomato paste is simply tomatoes cooked slowly and gently until almost all the water has evaporated. While it’s already an umami-rich powerhouse, you can get even more flavor out of it by cooking it a little before adding any liquids.
When to Use It
It’s actually very easy to modify almost any recipe that calls for tomato paste. For instance, if I’m making one of our all-time favorite pasta sauce recipes, I saute the sausage, onions and garlic as normal. Then, instead of adding the remaining ingredients, as the recipe says, I’ll only add the tomato paste. After 1-2 minutes, when all of the paste’s magical flavors have emerged, I’ll proceed with the rest of the recipe, adding the canned tomatoes and seasonings.
And that’s all you need to do. Try it the next time you have a recipe that calls for tomato paste and I promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Next up: Marinara vs. tomato sauce—what’s the difference?
32 Recipes to Make with Just a Little Bit of Tomato Paste
Italian Joes on Texas ToastThis is toasty-good for a weeknight on the go. If you double the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, meat and wine, you'll have enough sauce to freeze. —Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, Georgia
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
Tomato-Basil Pull-Apart RollsMy nephew helped me create these soft and colorful rolls. He named them “wheelies” because the spiral shapes reminded him of his toy trucks. —Dianna Wara, Washington, Illinois
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
Don't have as much as you thought? Find a substitute for tomato paste.
Chicken Butternut ChiliAt our house, we just love a good comforting, hearty, tomato-based chili with bold flavors! This unique chili is loaded with veggies and flavor. You can also prepare the recipe in the slow cooker. Just add ingredients to the crock and cook over high heat for about 4 hours. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
Mushroom Hunter's SauceHunter sauce is a rich brown sauce with an accent of tomato. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.
Tomato-Orange SoupWho knew orange and tomato were such a good pair? Whenever I serve this, I keep the recipe handy for requests. —Barbara Wood, St. John’s, Newfoundland
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
Smoky Quinoa with MushroomsAdd quinoa cooked with smoked paprika to your list of top sides. To warm the spinach leaves, quickly saute if desired. —Ellen Kanner, Miami, Florida
Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.
Coney Island SauceA Coney Island sauce recipe is something every home cook should know—and it’s not just to top hot dogs!
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
Beef Vegetable SoupHearty and flavorful, this Beef Vegetable Soup combines lean ground beef with fresh vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for chilly days, it’s an easy, comforting meal that can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
Moroccan Pot RoastMy husband loves meat and I love veggies, so we're both happy with this spicy twist on beefy pot roast. With garbanzo beans, eggplant, honey and mint, it's like something you'd eat at a Marrakesh bazaar. —Catherine Dempsey, Clifton Park, New York
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Pulled PorkWhile I don't enjoy drinking beer, I love cooking with it. This quick recipe also goes great on plain hamburger buns with a side of slaw. —Renee Herrington, Plano, Texas
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
Butternut Squash ChiliOur contest-winning butternut squash chili adds nutrient-rich squash to a classic beef-and-bean chili for an impressive flavor combination that will warm up even the coldest days. Who knew chili could be even more delicious and nutritious?
Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.
Corn Okra CreoleThis dish is representative of my area of the country, and particularly the Texas-Louisiana border. The okra, corn and Creole seasonings are all popular here. —Ruth Aubey, San Antonio, Texas
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1 Tbsp.
Pasta with Sausage and PeasThis rustic pasta with sausage and peas is a simple, comforting meal that's perfect any night of the week. With a creamy tomato sauce, bright-tasting cheese and pleasant pops of green, rigatoni is the perfect vessel.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
Roasted Eggplant SpreadBlack pepper and garlic perk up this out-of-the-ordinary spread that hits the spot on a crisp cracker or toasted bread slice. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1 Tbsp.
Tilapia PastaEasy to make and even easier to enjoy, especially when served with pasta, this savory tomato-braised tilapia pasta will surely make its way into your family's rotation.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
Zucchini Pico de Gallo SalsaI love veggies and fresh ingredients this time of year. I make big bowls of this salsa, which we eat with pretty much everything in the summer when tomatoes are bountiful. My kids love it, though I leave out the jalapeno when making it for them. —Amy Gattuso, Madison Heights, Michigan
Sweet & Sour Pork RibsFor years I wondered why people raved about ribs. I didn't have the patience or energy to bother with them, until I made this recipe. Now I'm a believer, too.—Merle Dyck, Elkford, British Columbia
Slow-Cooked Chicken Enchilada SoupThis crockpot chicken enchilada soup is inspired by the Mexican dish and loaded with southwestern flavors from poblano peppers and enchilada sauce to juicy shredded chicken.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
Blush SauceTangy tomatoes are tempered with white wine and smooth cream for a lovely pink blush sauce that will elevate humble pasta with its elegant color and flavor.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1 Tbsp.
Hungarian GoulashThis Hungarian goulash recipe features tender chunks of beef and a rich sauce infused with paprika and caraway seeds. It's a warm and comforting slow-cooker meal that is best served over egg noodles.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 2 Tbsp.
Southwestern Chicken & Lima Bean StewI love to have my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren over for this supper. They make me so happy with their compliments or just by going to fill up their bowls again. It's a good-for-you hit. —Pam Corder, Monroe, Louisiana
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour PorkThere's no need to visit a restaurant for a tasty sweet and sour dish. It's also great for meal planning, as the dish can be prepped and frozen, thawed and popped into the slow cooker when the mood hits.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.
Lasagna SoupThis lasagna soup tastes just like your favorite lasagna without all the layering. It’s fast, easy and comfort food at its best.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1/4 cup
Chicken Pasta CasseroleThis is my family’s favorite every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can put it together and relax while it bakes. —Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia
Amount of tomato paste needed: 3 Tbsp.
Slow-Cooker Short RibsIt is easy to learn how to cook short ribs in a slow cooker. The slow-cooker short ribs become so tender that you can cut the meat with a fork! The beef short ribs cook in a rich braising liquid that doubles as a gravy when it comes time to serve.
Amount of tomato paste needed: 1 Tbsp.
