Ever hit a snag while whipping up your favorite tomato-based dish because you’re out of tomato paste? Yeah, us too.
It’s more common than you’d think.
Luckily, there’s no need to dash to the store or ditch your cooking plans.
We’ve got five killer swaps that’ll save your sauce and maybe, just maybe, make it even tastier.
Think outside the tin! These alternatives aren’t just stand-ins; they might become your new go-to.
From concentrated flavors to unexpected twists, get ready to amp up your dishes in a way you never thought possible.
Ready to turn a cooking hiccup into your secret ingredient?
The 5 Best Substitutes for Tomato Paste
The concentrated tomato flavor is irreplaceable in certain dishes. For many recipes, tomato paste is a crucial ingredient.
Whether you’re out of tomato paste or just looking for something different, several substitutes will work in a pinch.
| Substitute | Key Characteristics | Substitute Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Passata | Smooth and uncooked tomato purée | Use an equal amount of passata as a substitute for tomato paste |
| Tomato Purée | Thick and concentrated tomato sauce | Use an equal amount of tomato purée as a substitute for tomato paste |
| Tomato Sauce | Thinner, cooked tomato-based sauce | Use twice the amount of tomato sauce as a substitute for tomato paste |
| Ketchup | Sweet and tangy tomato-based condiment | Use an equal amount of ketchup as a substitute for tomato paste |
| Canned Tomatoes | Chopped or crushed tomatoes in canned form | Use 1 tablespoon of canned tomatoes for every 2 tablespoons of tomato paste called for in the recipe |
If you’re looking to enhance your dishes and need substitutes for tomato paste, consider these five alternatives:
1 – Passata
Passata is a smooth sauce made from strained tomatoes.
It is a popular ingredient in Italian cooking and can be used in various dishes.
The sauce is typically made from fresh tomatoes peeled and seeded, then cooked until soft and passed through a food mill or strainer.
This process removes the skins and seeds, creating a smooth sauce with a deep red color.
Passata can be used as a base for other sauces or enjoyed on its own.
It can also be used in place of tomato sauce or paste in many recipes.
Use an equal amount of passata as a substitute for tomato paste. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, you would use 1 tablespoon of passata instead.
2 – Tomato Purée
Tomato purée is a thick, smooth paste made from cooked tomatoes.
It is used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces or as an ingredient in other dishes.
Tomato purée is typically made from Roma tomatoes, also known as plum tomatoes.
These tomatoes are oblong and have a higher concentration of flesh, making them ideal for puréeing.
To make tomato purée, the tomatoes are first blanched in boiling water to remove the skins.
They are then diced and simmered in a pot until they break down into a pulp.
The pulp is then passed through a food mill or strainer to remove the seeds and any remaining pieces of skin.
The resulting purée can be used immediately or canned for later use.
Tomato purée is a thick and concentrated tomato sauce. It can be used as a 1:1 substitute for tomato paste. Replace the tomato paste in your recipe with an equal amount of tomato purée.
3 – Tomato Sauce
There are few things as versatile as tomato sauce.
It can be used as a dip, a condiment, or even as the base for a soup or stew.
And while there are many store-bought varieties available, there is nothing quite like homemade tomato sauce.
The best thing about making your sauce is that you can control the ingredients and make it precisely to your taste.
If you like your sauce extra spicy, add more chili peppers.
Add a bit of sugar or honey if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
And once you’ve perfected your recipe, you’ll never return to store-bought tomato sauce again.
To substitute tomato paste with tomato sauce, use twice the amount. If your recipe requires 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, use 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce.
4 – Ketchup
Ah, ketchup. That delicious red condiment makes everything taste better.
Whether dipping your fries into a pool of ketchup or smothering your hamburger with it, this tomato-based sauce is a staple in many kitchens.
But what exactly is ketchup? And how do you use it in cooking?
The most obvious way is a condiment for burgers, fries, and other dishes.
But ketchup can also be used as an ingredient in recipes.
It’s often used as a base for barbecue sauce or added to chili to give it a little extra flavor.
Ketchup can also be used as a glaze for roasted meats or vegetables.
Brush it on before cooking to add a touch of sweetness and color.
Use an equal amount of ketchup as a substitute for tomato paste. For instance, if you need 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, replace it with 1 tablespoon of ketchup.
5 – Canned Tomatoes
Few things are as satisfying as a perfectly ripe tomato, still warm from the summer sun.
But when fresh tomatoes are out of season, canned tomatoes can be a delicious option.
While they may not have the same level of sweetness as fresh tomatoes, they can still add a Burst of flavor to pasta sauces, stews, and soups.
And because they are already cooked, canned tomatoes can save you time in the kitchen.
When choosing canned tomatoes, look for ones that are packed in juice or water rather than syrup.
And be sure to check the label for added ingredients like basil or garlic.
With a bit of planning, canned tomatoes can help you enjoy the taste of summer all year long.
To substitute tomato paste with canned tomatoes, use 1 tablespoon of canned tomatoes for every 2 tablespoons of tomato paste called for in the recipe.
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