Tomato Paste Recipe
🍅 Description: Dive into the delightful world of homemade tomato paste with this recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. Whether you’re aiming for a healthier alternative or simply seeking the satisfaction of crafting your own pantry staples, this tomato paste recipe is sure to please your palate and elevate your culinary creations.
🕒 Cook Time: 3 hours
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
🍽️ Recipe Category: Low Protein
🔍 Keywords: Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight, Canning, < 4 Hours, Easy
🥣 Ingredients:
- 48 tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons salt
🔢 Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 196.6
- Fat Content: 2.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 636mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 42.8g
- Fiber Content: 13.1g
- Sugar Content: 28.7g
- Protein Content: 9.6g
🍽️ Servings: 8 half pints
📝 Instructions:
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Prepare the Tomatoes:
Peel, core, and chop the tomatoes until you have approximately 8 quarts in total.
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Seasoning:
Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of salt over the chopped tomatoes.
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Simmer:
Place the seasoned tomatoes in a large stainless steel or enamel pot. Allow them to simmer gently for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
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Milling Process:
After simmering, remove the tomatoes from the heat and pass them through a food mill. This step helps achieve a smooth and uniform texture for your tomato paste.
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Continued Cooking:
Return the milled tomatoes to the pot and continue cooking over low to medium heat. This process may take around 2 hours, or until the mixture thickens to the consistency of tomato paste and can hold its shape.
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Jarring:
Once the tomato paste reaches the desired consistency, spoon it into clean, hot jars, leaving about 1/4-inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during processing.
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Processing:
To ensure long-term preservation, process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes. This step is crucial for canning safety and shelf stability, especially if you plan to store the tomato paste for an extended period.
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Note:
If you’re using smaller quarter-pint jars, follow the same processing time as specified above, ensuring thorough preservation regardless of jar size.
🌟 Additional Tips:
- Select ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best results, as they will contribute to the overall taste and richness of the tomato paste.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more or less salt to suit your taste buds.
- Consider adding herbs or spices such as basil, oregano, or garlic for added depth of flavor.
- Store the sealed jars of tomato paste in a cool, dark place for optimal preservation. Once opened, refrigerate any unused portion for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
👩🍳 Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor!
With this homemade tomato paste recipe, you can elevate your dishes with the vibrant flavors of sun-ripened tomatoes anytime you desire. Whether stirred into sauces, soups, or stews, or used as a base for pizza and pasta dishes, this versatile condiment is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Embrace the joys of homemade goodness and savor the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. Happy cooking! 🍅🌿
