Tomato paste is a thick tomato-based sauce that is used as a base or flavor enhancer in many dishes. It is made by cooking tomato juice down to a concentrated paste, then straining out the seeds and skin.
Tomato paste is available in cans or tubes and can be found in the international aisle of most supermarkets. It is often used to add depth of flavour and body to soups, stews, sauces, and casseroles. When cooking with tomato paste, keep in mind that a little goes a long way. Start with less than you think you need and add more to taste.
What if you have run out of tomato paste? The good news is there are many things you can use a tomato paste substitute that you already have on hand, and almost any tomato based product can be used as a substitute. Let’s take a closer look.
Tomato Paste Alternatives
The really unique thing about tomato paste is the consistency. Keep in mind that when you use a substitute that has more liquid than tomato paste, you may need to reduce the amount of liquid in your recipe to account for this.
Canned Tomato Sauce
Canned tomato sauce is a great substitute for tomato paste. It has a similar texture and consistency, and can be used in the same way as tomato paste.Canned tomato sauce is also a good option if you want a smoother, thinner sauce, since it contains more water than tomato paste.
Tomato Puree
Tomato puree is another option if you need a tomato paste substitute. It’s made from cooked, strained tomatoes, and has a thick, smooth consistency. Tomato puree can be found in the canned goods aisle of your grocery store.
While it is on the thicker side, it does contain more liquid than tomato paste.
Ketchup
If you have ketchup on hand, you can use it as a substitute for tomato paste. This is a good option if you are looking for a sweeter sauce. It has a similar consistency to tomato sauce.
Crushed Tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes are a good option if you need a tomato paste substitute. They’re made from fresh tomatoes that have been peeled and seeded, and then crushed. You can find them in the canned aisle of the grocery store.
You may need to reduce the liquid in your recipe when using crushed tomatoes. Crushed tomatoes are usually also chunky, so consider running them through the blender or food processor if you are looking for a very smooth consistency.
Fresh Tomatoes
If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can use them as a substitute for tomato paste. Simply cook them down until they’re soft, and then puree them in a blender or food processor.
You may need to cook your dish a bit longer if you use fresh tomatoes, since they will add more water to the recipe.
Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce can be used as a substitute for tomato paste. Marinara is a type of Italian tomato sauce that typically contains onions, garlic, and herbs. It has a smooth consistency and can be used in the same way as tomato paste, but again, contains more liquid than tomato paste.
Tomato Soup
If you have tomato soup on hand, you can use it as a substitute for tomato paste. This is a good option if you are looking for a thinner consistency. Be sure to use concentrated tomato soup to reduce the amount of liquid to a recipe.
Questions About Tomato Paste Substitutes
Still have questions about replacing tomato paste in your recipes? Don’t worry, we have answers!
How much tomato paste equals tomato?
One tablespoon of tomato paste is the equivalent to one tomato.
Is tomato paste the same as tomatoes?
No, tomato paste is not the same as tomatoes. Tomato paste is made from cooked and strained tomatoes, while tomatoes are fresh fruit.
Does tomato paste taste the same as tomato sauce?
Tomato paste and tomato sauce have different consistencies, but they do have a similar taste. Tomato paste is thicker and has a more concentrated flavor, while tomato sauce is thinner and has a more mild flavor.
What is the purpose of tomato paste?
Tomato paste is used to add flavor and color to recipes. It is often used in soups, sauces, and stews. It adds a highly concentrated dose of tomato flavor to a dish, without adding liquid.
Is tomato paste healthy for you?
Tomato paste is a good source of lycopene, which is an antioxidant that has been linked to several health benefits. It is also low in calories and fat-free.
Can I use tomato sauce instead of tomato paste?
Yes, you can use tomato sauce as a substitute for tomato paste. Tomato sauce has a similar texture and consistency, but it contains more liquid than tomato paste.
Can I use ketchup instead of tomato paste?
Yes, you can use ketchup as a substitute for tomato paste. Ketchup has a similar consistency to tomato sauce. It is also sweeter than tomato paste, so keep that in mind when making substitutions.
Why use tomato paste in spaghetti sauce?
Tomato paste is often used in spaghetti sauce to add body and thickness. It also adds a concentrated dose of tomato flavor.