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I use tomato paste for sauces, bolognese, chili, stews/roasts, pizza sauce, and finishing sauces. Some weeks are very tomato-y cooking weeks, and others not so much. I have a great tomato paste kitchen hack that helps you not waste any of the paste.
A small jar of tomato paste is not that expensive. However, I hate throwing away something so flavorful that someday I will need and not have it in my pantry. Yes, you can buy a tube of tomato paste instead–but in my opinion, it is expensive for what you get, and it spoils after being opened in the refrigerator.
Tomato Paste Kitchen Hack 1
Efficiently Extracting Tomato Paste
First, let’s tackle my first kitchen hack: getting tomato paste out of a jar without wasting too much of the golden umami elixir. You can use a can opener to open BOTH sides of the tomato paste can. When you open both sides of the can, use one side to push the paste out the top of the can — like a push-up popsicle! Once you push the paste out of the can, slice the amount you need. Slicing is less messy than trying to scoop and get the paste off a spoon. And the sides of the can are almost scraped clean as the lid pushes the paste up and out of the can.
Tomato Paste Kitchen Hack 2
Freezing Tomato Paste for Future Flavorful Delights
Next, let’s deal with what to do with excess tomato paste. In the past, I put excess tomato paste in a small jar in the fridge with hopes that eventually I would want it—which rarely ever happened. The paste inevitably would grow mold, and then we were left cleaning said mess.
Light bulb moment – why not freeze the paste? When you freeze the paste, you have it on hand when you need it. The paste does not have to go to waste, and you do not have to remember to buy new cans for that random recipe you want to cook mid-week.
After using my kitchen hack to force tomato paste out of the can, push the rest into a plastic or reusable freezer bag (again, less mess!). Label your bag, then squeeze the paste flat. You can break or cut a piece off to your liking when you need it. It melts super fast, so no need to defrost.
No More Tomato Paste Waste Use Excess Tomato Paste!
The larger the jar of paste, the more value. You can have paste for months at your ready!
For inspiration for all that paste, check out Food & Wine’s ideas for using tomato paste. I have a few simple ideas as well.
1. Boost Sauces and Soups
- Tomato sauces: Stir a tablespoon or two into pasta sauces, pizza sauce, or marinara to intensify tomato flavor.
- Quick & Velvety Sauce: Add a splash of white wine and cream for a quick and luscious sauce for pasta, chicken, or vegetables.
- Bolognese: I have a great bolognese recipe.
- Soups and stews: Add a small amount at the beginning and sauté it for a minute or two to deepen flavor (think beef stew, minestrone, or chili).
2. Sauté and Caramelize
- Cook tomato paste in a bit of olive oil until it darkens slightly (caramelizes). This brings out a sweet, rich, almost smoky flavor.
- Great for adding depth to Bolognese, shakshuka, or curries.
3. Enhance Meat and Vegetable Dishes
- Rub a thin layer on roasts or chicken before cooking to add umami and a subtle tomato flavor.
- Mix into vegetable sautés or roasted veggies for a punch of color and taste.
4. Concentrate for Marinades and Dressings
- Blend into marinades for beef, chicken, or tofu.
- Add a small spoonful to vinaigrettes or BBQ sauces for depth and richness.
5. Make Quick Tomato Base
- Mix with water or broth to make a quick tomato sauce or soup base. You can season it with garlic, onion, herbs, or chili flakes.
6. Umami Boost for Non-Tomato Dishes
- Add a teaspoon to rice, grains, or beans while cooking.
- Stir into scrambled eggs, shakshuka, or omelets for extra flavor.
What do you think? Does frozen tomato paste sound helpful to you?
Tomato Paste Kitchen Hacks: How to Remove Paste From a Can and Store in the Freezer
Below is a quick method to open a can of tomato paste, extract it, and save it for future use.
Total Time Needed :
3
Minutes
Required Tools:
Things Needed?
Steps to use and store tomato paste:
Open both sides of the can of tomato paste with a can opener
Push one side of the opened can lid into the can so that the paste comes out the other side; slice off what you need
Slide any extra paste into a freezer bag and label it with a pen. Flatten and compress the contents and store it in the freezer. Break or cut a piece off when you want to use it (no need to defrost)
