Tomato Paste Recipes

Tomato paste is a concentrated tomato ingredient that adds rich color, savory depth, and gentle acidity to everyday recipes. A small spoonful can make pasta sauces, soups, stews, braises, and skillet dinners taste slower-cooked and more developed.

For the best flavor, cook tomato paste briefly in oil or fat before adding liquids. This simple step caramelizes the paste, softens its raw edge, and creates a deeper base for recipes like chili, shakshuka, curry, meat sauce, and vegetable ragù.

Because it is so concentrated, tomato paste is also useful beyond tomato-based dishes. Stir it into marinades, bean dishes, rice, roasted vegetables, pan sauces, or dressings when you want a boost of umami and a subtle sweet-tart finish.