Homemade Tomato Puree for Sauces, Curries, and Gravies

Tomato Puree is an essential and versatile base for a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re making flavorful salsas, rich marinara, creamy pasta or pizza sauces, or aromatic curries and gravies, having this tomato puree on hand can elevate your cooking. By cooking the tomatoes beforehand, you can remove the excess water and achieve a thick, smooth consistency that serves as the perfect starting point for many recipes. The best part? Since the tomatoes are pre-cooked, you’ll save time when preparing dishes, making the cooking process faster and easier. Store the puree in your refrigerator for up to a week and use it whenever needed for your favorite meals.

Ingredients:

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: Makes approximately 2 cups of tomato puree

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes:
   Begin by cutting 500 grams of ripe, red tomatoes in half. Place the tomato halves in a pressure cooker along with 2 tablespoons of water.

2. Cook the Tomatoes:
   Close the pressure cooker and cook on medium heat until you hear one whistle. After the whistle, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.

3. Release Pressure:
   To speed up the process, carefully release the pressure by running cold water over the pressure cooker. Once the pressure has released, open the lid.

4. Peel and Separate:
   At this point, you’ll notice that the skin of the tomatoes has separated from the pulp. The tomatoes will have also released some water. Drain the excess water using a strainer (you can save this for use in vegetable stocks or soups).

5. Prepare the Pulp:
   Let the tomatoes cool down slightly. Once cooled, peel off the skin and discard it. You’ll now be left with the soft, pulpy tomato flesh.

6. Puree the Tomatoes:
   Place the tomato pulp in a blender and puree until smooth. This thick, smooth tomato puree is now ready for use.

7. Storage:
   Store your homemade tomato puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about a week and can be used as a base for curries, gravies, sauces, and many other recipes.

Tips & Variations:

• For a richer flavor: If you prefer a deeper, more concentrated tomato flavor, you can cook the tomatoes a bit longer in the pressure cooker before releasing the pressure.
• Add herbs or spices: To infuse extra flavor into your puree, consider adding a pinch of salt, a dash of olive oil, or herbs like basil or oregano before blending.
• Freezing Option: If you prefer to make a larger batch, you can freeze the tomato puree in portions for later use. Simply place the puree into ice cube trays, freeze, and store the cubes in a ziplock bag for up to 6 months.

This easy and time-saving Homemade Tomato Puree is perfect for anyone who loves to cook and wants to have a convenient, homemade base for their recipes. From pastas to curries, this tomato puree will bring a fresh, homemade taste to all your favorite dishes.