Category: Condiment
Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated paste made from cooked and strained tomatoes. It has a deep red color and a rich, intense tomato flavor. It is commonly used as a base for sauces, soups, and stews, as well as a flavoring agent in various dishes. Tomato paste is often sold in cans or tubes and can be found in most grocery stores.
Flavor Profiles:
- Savory
- Sweet
- Umami
- Tangy
What goes with Tomato Paste:
- Sugar – A small amount of sugar can balance tomato paste’s acidity and bring out its natural sweetness.
- Dark Chocolate – The bitterness of dark chocolate provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of tomato paste, while the richness of both ingredients complement each other.
- Goat Cheese – The tangy and tart flavor of goat cheese provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of tomato paste, often used in pasta dishes and bruschetta.
- Garlic – Garlic’s strong flavor complements and balances the sweetness of tomato paste.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil’s fruity and mildly peppery flavor brings out the richness of tomato paste.
- Rosemary – Rosemary pairs well with tomato paste because its earthy and pine-like flavor complements the rich and tangy taste of the tomato paste.
- Onions – Onions add a savory depth that enhances the taste of tomato paste.
- Potatoes – Potatoes pair well with tomato paste because the rich, savory flavor of the paste complements the mild, starchy taste of the potatoes.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Balsamic vinegar’s sweet and tangy flavor enhances the taste of tomato paste.
- Thyme – Thyme pairs well with tomato paste because its earthy and slightly floral flavor complements the rich and tangy taste of the paste.
- Onion –
- Basil – Basil’s aromatic and slightly sweet flavor pairs well with the robust taste of tomato paste.
- Salt –
- Pepper –
- Red Wine – Red wine adds a depth of flavor and complexity to tomato paste.
- Heavy Cream –
- Eggplant – Roasted eggplant has a mild, creamy flavor that absorbs the rich taste of tomato paste well, making it a great base for dishes like baba ganoush.
- Beef Broth – Beef broth pairs well with tomato paste because the rich, savory flavor of the broth complements the tangy sweetness of the tomato paste.
- Carrots – Carrots pair well with tomato paste because the sweetness of the carrots complements the acidity of the tomato paste, creating a balanced and flavorful combination.
- Chicken Broth – Chicken broth pairs well with tomato paste because the savory and rich flavors of the broth complement the tangy and slightly sweet taste of the tomato paste.
- Red Pepper Flakes –
- Oregano – Oregano’s warm, bitter taste and pungent, camphor-like aroma balances tomato paste’s acidity.
- Anchovies – Anchovies have a strong, salty flavor that can help enhance the taste of tomato paste, commonly used in Italian dishes like puttanesca.
- Bay Leaves – Bay leaves pair well with tomato paste because their earthy, herbal flavor enhances the rich, savory taste of the tomatoes.
- Smoked Paprika – The smoky and slightly sweet flavor of smoked paprika complements the rich taste of tomato paste, often used in stews, soups, and chili.