Tomato paste or concentrate

Tomato paste or concentrate is known for its richness. There are varieties concerning tomato sauces or purées, which vary based on water content or the percentage of tomato concentration. Each country has its own varieties and preparation methods. The process of making tomato paste can be lengthy, although it is very easy. Additionally, you can find pre-packaged products in markets, both nationally produced and imported, mainly from countries like Italy. Preparation The reality is that, as mentioned above, tomato paste is easy to prepare. The main task is to concentrate the pulp of the tomato. To achieve this, it is important to first remove the skin and seeds and then apply heat to the tomato to evaporate the water it contains. It is highly recommended to select meaty and ripe tomatoes. Once the initial cooking is finished to soften them, the skin and seeds are removed; subsequently, they are cooked for a long time to evaporate the water, reducing it to one-fifth of its initial amount. Although more than half of the solids in the tomato consist of sugars and organic acids, a little sugar and a bit of salt can be added to balance the acidity and aid in preservation, although the percentage is minimal.   Buying If you have decided to skip the preparation step and wish to buy tomato paste at the supermarket, we recommend checking that the label highlights that it contains no ingredients other than tomato and salt. Remember that there are many brands and manufacturers, so you should try several to choose the one that offers the highest quality and best flavor. Uses The uses for tomato paste or concentrate are numerous. It can be used in stews and sauces, where, in addition to color and flavor, it acts as a thickener; it is also used directly in pizza dough and pasta. Cooking Recipes Here are some recipes where you can use the tomato paste or concentrate you prepare at home. (we recommend clicking on the recipe title for more preparation details) Pasta a la Amatriciana A pasta with tomato sauce, bacon, and spicy garlic. Delicious and easy to prepare. Pasta with Shrimp in Spicy Tomato Sauce A rich spicy pasta with shrimp, olives, and basil. Very good accompanied by a cold white wine. Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe for meatballs made with a bit of rice in a tomato broth with chilies and cilantro. Light Vegetarian Lasagna Lasagna with spinach, zucchini, tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese. Made with low-fat ingredients and full of flavor. Enjoy this pasta dish for only 215 calories per serving. Penne with Tomato and Olive Sauce The sauce for this pasta is delicious with the combination of tomatoes and olives. Meatballs with Rosemary in Tomato Sauce This meatball recipe includes rosemary and a touch of lemon, giving them a different and rich flavor. Pizza The traditional pizza that kids love, made at home. Homemade Pizza This is a pizza recipe from a chef who studied cooking in Italy. Look no further, this pizza recipe is the one. The only important thing before preparing it is to consider that it must rest for one night. Margherita Pizza Instead of buying or ordering your pizzas, why not make one at home? Your whole family will love it.