– 4 tsp hunt's tomato paste

Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated condiment made from ripe tomatoes that have been cooked down, strained, and reduced to remove seeds and skins. The resulting concentrate contains the essence of tomato flavor in a dense, spreadable form with a deep red to dark burgundy color. Tomato paste is produced commercially by cooking tomatoes at high temperature, passing them through a fine screen to separate solids from liquid, and then concentrating the resulting puree further through evaporation. The concentration process increases the natural acidity and umami compounds, creating a potent flavoring agent.

Hunt's tomato paste is a widely available commercial brand that follows standard production protocols, delivering consistent quality and shelf stability. The paste typically contains tomatoes, salt, and citric acid as preservatives, with no artificial colors or flavors in most varieties.

Tomato paste serves as a foundational flavoring ingredient in countless savory dishes across Mediterranean, Latin American, and American cuisines. It is commonly used to build depth in soups, stews, sauces, and braises—a small quantity can dramatically intensify tomato flavor without requiring fresh tomatoes. In Italian cooking, paste is essential for ragù and marinara sauces; in Mexican cuisine, it appears in moles and salsas; in American kitchens, it's a staple in chili, meat sauces, and barbecue rubs. The paste is typically bloomed in fat (oil or rendered meat) before adding liquids, a technique that develops its flavor profile. It can also be mixed directly into dishes or thinned with water to approximate fresh tomato sauce.