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    Home | Recipes | Ingredients

    Homemade Tomato Paste Recipe 🍅 How To Make Tomato Paste

    Published: Sep 18, 2013 · Modified: Aug 30, 2023 by Sarah Mock As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links.

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    tomato paste pinterest image with text overlay.

    When your garden is overflowing with ripe tomatoes, it is the perfect time to make your own homemade tomato paste.

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    Homemade Tomato Paste Recipe 🍅 How To Make Tomato Paste

    This tomato paste recipe has only three ingredients and there are two options for storing. Once you know how to make it, store-bought will no longer be an option for you.

    How to Make Homemade Tomato Paste

    I wanted to let you in on a little secret. If you love sea bass you need to try my technique for sous vide seabass. Perfection on a plate! Did you know that tomatoes are technically a fruit? Here is a list of more fruits that start with T.

    Jump to:
    • 🍅 Easy Homemade Tomato Paste Recipe
    • 🍅 Tomato Paste Ingredients:
    • 🥣 Helpful Kitchen Tools
    • 🔪 How To Make Homemade Tomato Paste From Scratch:
    • Why is a food mill used to make tomato paste?
    • What is the difference between tomato purĂ©e and tomato paste?
    • What is the purpose of tomato paste?
    • ❄️ Storage tips
    • How to freeze tomato paste in portions
    • How to portion out tomato paste without a mold.
    • 📝 Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:
    • Ways to use tomato paste:
    • Homemade Tomato Paste Recipe
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Sarah Mock
    • Comments

    🍅 Easy Homemade Tomato Paste Recipe

    If you are at the end of your fresh tomato supply and you have canned, juiced, dried and enjoyed tomatoes until you can't look at another tomato...WAIT! I have one more. You can make your own tomato paste! Just like anything that is quality, it takes time and love.

    🍅 Tomato Paste Ingredients:

    • Tomatoes: any variety but tomatoes like Roma tomatoes, plum tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes are preferred because they have a lower moisture content. Less water = less cooking time until you get to tomato paste!
    • Olive oil: just a drizzle
    • Bay leaves: 1 per two pounds of tomatoes

    🥣 Helpful Kitchen Tools

    • Food Mill - makes easy work of removing skins and seeds from cooked tomatoes

    🔪 How To Make Homemade Tomato Paste From Scratch:

    1. Wash and chop the tomatoes.
    2. In a large pot, drizzle a little bit of olive oil. I did about a tablespoon.
    3. Add your tomatoes and allow the tomatoes to soften.
    4. Pass the soft tomatoes through a food mill to remove the skins and seeds.
    5. Discard the seeds and skins as well as any excess juice.
    6. Once you have a tomato purée or tomato pulp, pour the tomato puree in your large pot return it to the stove and add 1 bay leaf per 2 pounds of tomatoes.
    7. The water evaporates when you cook on high heat, reducing the tomatoes down to a paste consistency. Be sure to stir using a rubber spatula and scrape down the edges and the bottom of the pot.
    8. The longer the tomatoes simmer into a paste, the lower you should turn down the temperature.
    9. Transfer the paste into 4 ounce canning jar and water bath can them or freeze in ice cube trays.

    Why is a food mill used to make tomato paste?

    cooked tomatoes in a good mill

    The food mill makes easy work of removing the seeds and the skins of the tomatoes.  It is so much easier than blanching the skins off of the tomatoes and removing the seeds by hand. I never get all the seeds out when I try and remove them by hand. The food mill is well worth the investment.

    What is the difference between tomato purée and tomato paste?

    glass bowl of tomato paste being stirred with a white spatula

    The difference is consistency and moisture content. Tomato puree has a thicker consistency than tomato juice and a more concentrated tomato flavor whereas tomato paste has almost all of the moisture evaporated by cooking it out. 

    What is the purpose of tomato paste?

    Home Made Tomato Paste with canning funnel

    Tomato paste is used to thicken, color, and enhance the flavor of tomato sauces and other liquids such as soups and stews without adding extra volume to the dish. Tomato paste is usually found added to Italian dishes but many other recipes benefit from the addition of tomato paste including bolognese, pizza casserole, and even sous vide beef burgundy. If you have an overabundance of tomatoes you will want to learn to can diced tomatoes as well. 

    ❄️ Storage tips

    How to freeze tomato paste in portions

    Home Made Tomato Paste being piped in silicone tray
    1. Using my silicone brownie squares baking mold I pipped the tomato paste into each square.
    2. If you don't have a pastry bag you can always snip the corner off of a resealable plastic bag. I think a gallon bag would work well in this example.
    3. If you need ANOTHER option, you can always just spoon the thick tomato paste into each cavity. I was going for 'neat' so I used the pastry bag.
    4. Once done, pop them in the freezer until frozen through.
    5. Flip them over and they easily pop right out. I love silicone bakeware for applications like this one.
    6. Store in an airtight container in the freezer and you have proportioned tomato paste. I am calling each square a tablespoon.

    How to portion out tomato paste without a mold.

    Home Made Tomato Paste on silicone baking sheet
    1. If you don't have the silicone brownie squares baking mold there is still YET ANOTHER method of storing.
    2. Pipe or dab out little 1 tablespoon blobs on a silicone baking sheet or parchment paper.
    3. Freeze till solid and then store in an airtight container in the freezer.

    📝 Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:

    Homemade vs. Store-Bought Tomato Paste

    Tomato paste is the pantry staple, bought in either small tin cans or squeezable tubes for easier dispensing. The grocery store versions are rarely more than just containers of dense, smooth tomato concentrate. When you make homemade tomato paste yourself, you get to choose the tomatoes you use and any extra added flavors, thus the quality of the finished concentrate. Slow-cooking also gives the paste a hearty, rich flavor, unlike the store-bought counterpart.

    Can you make tomato paste from ketchup?

    While ketchup and tomato paste share a similar base ingredient of tomato, they are not the same product and cannot be used interchangeably in recipes. Tomato paste is made from cooked, concentrated tomatoes that have been strained of seeds and skin, resulting in a thick paste with a deep tomato flavor. On the other hand, ketchup is a sweetened and seasoned condiment that contains not only tomato paste but also vinegar, sugar, and spices.

    So, while it is technically possible to use ketchup as a substitute for tomato paste in some recipes, it may alter the overall flavor profile and texture of the dish. If you are in a pinch and need to substitute tomato paste with ketchup, use a ratio of 1 tablespoon of ketchup for every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and adjust other seasonings accordingly.

    Why make tomato paste?

    This is one of my most common questions when I share this recipe. Here is how I respond.

    One of the main reasons is that it provides a rich, intense tomato flavor that can be used to enhance the taste of many different dishes. Tomato paste is also a convenient ingredient because it has a long shelf life and can be stored in the pantry until needed.

    It is a versatile ingredient. Tomato paste can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to sauces and pizzas. It can also be used to add flavor and depth to food.

    But my biggest reason is that making tomato paste at home is a way to reduce waste and make use of excess tomatoes from the garden or farmers' market. By preserving the tomatoes in paste form, you can enjoy their flavor and nutrition year-round.

    Ways to use tomato paste:

    Tomato paste is a versatile ingredient that can add depth and richness to a variety of dishes. Remember, when using tomato paste, a little goes a long way due to its concentrated flavor. These methods should help you make the most of this ingredient and create delicious, novice-friendly dishes.

    • Sauces and Gravies: Tomato paste is a great base for making rich and flavorful sauces and gravies. To use it, heat a small amount of oil in a pan, add minced garlic and onion, then stir in a tablespoon or two of tomato paste. Cook for a couple of minutes to develop the flavors, and then add crushed tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Simmer until the sauce thickens and reaches your desired consistency.
    • Soup Enhancer: Tomato paste can add depth to soups. While sautéing the vegetables for your soup, add a spoonful of tomato paste and let it cook for a minute or two to caramelize slightly. This will intensify the tomato flavor in your soup.
    • Marinades and Rubs: For a burst of umami in your marinades or rubs, mix tomato paste with herbs, spices, and a touch of acid (like vinegar or lemon juice). Coat your protein and let it marinate for a few hours before cooking. The tomato paste will enhance the overall flavor profile.
    • Pizza and Pasta Dishes: Tomato paste is a key ingredient for creating pizza and pasta sauces. In a saucepan, combine tomato paste with crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Simmer the mixture until it thickens into a luscious sauce.
    • Stews and Braises: Enhance the depth of flavor in stews and braises by incorporating tomato paste. After searing your meat, stir in a spoonful of tomato paste to the pan, allowing it to cook and develop its flavors. Then, add liquid (such as broth, wine, or water), vegetables, and herbs. Let everything simmer until the meat is tender.
    • Enhanced Stock: Adding tomato paste to the beef bones before roasting enhances the overall umami and richness of your stock. The natural sugars in the tomato paste caramelize during roasting, contributing a complex depth of flavor that traditional roasting alone might not achieve. I learned this trick in my stocks and sauces class at Johnson & Wales. This added step elevates your stock, making it a perfect base for a variety of dishes, from soups to sauces.

    Recipes that use tomato paste:

    • Beef Burgundy
    • Bolognese
    • Pizza Casserole 
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    How to Make Homemade Tomato Paste

    Homemade Tomato Paste Recipe

    Sarah Mock
    When your garden is overflowing with ripe tomatoes, it is the perfect time to make homemade tomato paste. This tomato paste recipe has only three ingredients and there are two options for storing the tomato paste. Once you know how to make homemade tomato paste, store bought will no longer be an option for you.
    4.66 from 101 votes
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    Note From Sarah

    There is more to a recipe than just the recipe card. Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

    Prep time for the recipePrep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook time for the recipeCook Time 3 hours hrs
    total time to prep and cook the recipe.Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
    Prevent your screen from going dark, toggle to button to the right to turn GREEN
    Course Canning Recipes
    Cuisine Italian
    Makes 4
    Per Serving 223 kcal

    HELPFUL KITCHEN TOOLS

    Food Mill 
    Canning Funnel
    Canning Popper
    Canning Jar Lifter
    4 ounce ball jars
    Granite Ware Stock Pot

    Ingredients
     

    • 8 pounds roma tomatoes
    • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
    • 1 each Bay leaf

    Instructions
     

    How To Make Tomato Paste:

    • Wash and chop your tomatoes.
    • In a hot pan drizzle a little bit of olive oil. I did about an tablespoon
    • Add your tomatoes and cook until soft.
    • Pass the soft tomatoes through a food mill.
    • Once you have a tomato pulp and puree, return it to the stove and add 1 bay leaf per 2 pounds of tomatoes.
    • Cook on medium high to big heat to reduce the tomatoes down to the above consistency. Be sure to stir and scrape down the edges and the bottom of the pot. The longer the tomatoes reduce into paste, the lower you should turn down the temperature.
    • Portion into 4 ounce canning jars and water bath can or freeze in ice cube trays.

    Canning Tomato Paste Instructions

    • Portioned out the tomato paste into 4 ounce canning jars.
    • Leave ÂĽ inch head space on the top.
    • Process in a hot water bath for 40 minutes. That is right. 40 minutes. These guys may be small but the contents in them are dense.

    How to freeze home made tomato paste in portions

    • Using my piping bag I pipped the tomato paste into each square. If you don't have a pastry bag you can always snip the corner off of a resealable plastic bag. I think a gallon bag would work well in this example.
    • If you need ANOTHER option, you can alway just spoon the tomato paste into each cavity. I was going for 'neat' so I used the pastry bag.
    • Once done, pop them in the freezer until frozen through.
    • Flip them over and they easily pop right out. I love silicone bake ware for applications like this one.
    • Store in an air tight container in the freezer and you have proportioned tomato paste. I am calling each square a tablespoon of tomato paste.

    Video

    Notes

    The approximate eight pounds of tomatoes I started with took just over 3 hours to reduce to the above consistency.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Calories: 223kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 46mgFiber: 11gSugar: 24g

    Nutrition Disclosure

    Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Sharing of this recipe to social media is both encouraged and appreciated. Please share the direct link back to the recipe. Copy/Pasting and/or screenshots of the recipe to any social media is strictly prohibited. Content and photographs are copyright protected. SavoringTheGood®

    *This recipe was originally posted on Sept. 23, 2103

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    👩🏻‍🍳 Sarah Mock

    CEO/Owner/Founder/Culinary Blogger

    Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 14 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.

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    Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 14 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kristin Marten

      October 06, 2022 at 1:04 pm

      Would it be ok to process in pint or half pint jars? For the same time?

    2. Sarah Mock

      October 06, 2022 at 11:23 am

      You don't.

    3. Kristin Marten

      October 06, 2022 at 11:01 am

      You don’t have to add citric acid or lemon juice?

    4. Sarah Mock

      March 22, 2022 at 12:10 pm

      Birittney,

      I keep tomato paste in the freezer for up to a year.

    5. Brittney

      March 04, 2022 at 3:00 pm

      How long will this last in the freezer?

    6. HouTom

      November 19, 2021 at 12:18 pm

      Sorry, I just have to comment on this. Romas are classified as a paste tomato not just because they have less water content but also because they are a meatier variety of tomato that therefore produces more sauce or more paste when processed.

    7. Sarah Mock

      July 09, 2020 at 1:17 pm

      Great catch Kathy! I wrote this post way back in 2013 and there have been so many format changes over the years. That detail somehow got over looked! I corrected the recipe card. I use 8 lbs of aroma tomatoes, with 1 bay leaf per 2 lbs of tomatoes.(this way if you want to make a HUGE batch you know how many bay leaves you know how many to use. This recipe will make about 4 (4 Oz. jars) of paste. It is NOT a lot considering what you start with but the flavors are INTENSE.

    8. Kathy

      July 08, 2020 at 10:56 pm

      The recipe calls for 2 pounds of Roma tomatoes but in your Notes, you mention that it took only 3 hours and 8 pounds of tomatoes to get to the finished product. So am I the one confused or did you mean to say one needs 8 pounds of Roma tomatoes to end up with 2 pounds of tomato paste?

    9. Sarah Mock

      June 06, 2020 at 5:55 pm

      Use Roma's if you have them available to you. If you don't, use another type of tomato. Romas have a lower moisture content and that is why I love them. Another variety may have more moisture, taking longer to reduce. I hope that helps.

    10. Judi

      June 06, 2020 at 11:37 am

      In the narrative, you say any tomato BUT Roma is preferred. However, the recipe says to use Roma’s. I’m confused. Would you mind clarifying?

    11. Sarah Mock

      May 29, 2020 at 2:20 pm

      you are welcome to use a blender but I would run it for a few minutes. The idea of the food mill is it is going to remove all the skins and seeds. Alternatively, you can de-seed and remove the skins of the tomatoes before starting to cook them down.

    12. Nicole

      May 29, 2020 at 8:52 am

      What method can be substituted for a food mill if you don't have one? âś‹ Maybe a blender? Or just mash it...?

    13. Gretta

      April 25, 2020 at 11:46 am

      Thanks this will help me so much

    14. Sarah

      September 26, 2019 at 4:53 pm

      You are more than welcome!I am glad you loved it. Tomato paste is am amazing addition to so many recipes.

    15. Sue

      September 24, 2019 at 1:37 pm

      ~I made this today....it tastes amazing!! Thank you so much for the recipe! :)

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    Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 14 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.
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