-oz. can tomato paste

Tomato paste is a concentrated tomato product made by cooking tomatoes for hours to reduce their moisture content, then straining to remove seeds and skins, resulting in a thick, intensely flavored puree. The processing concentrates the natural sugars, acids, and umami compounds of the tomato. Commercial tomato paste is typically shelf-stable and sold in cans or tubes, often with added salt and sometimes citric acid as a preservative. The flavor profile is deeply savory and slightly sweet, with pronounced acidity.

Tomato paste functions as a flavor amplifier and thickening agent in soups, stews, sauces, and braises across Mediterranean, Latin American, and Middle Eastern cuisines. It is a foundational ingredient in Italian pasta sauces, Spanish sofrito, and Indian curries. A small quantity provides concentrated tomato flavor without excess liquid, making it ideal for reducing cooking time while building depth. Common applications include enriching chili, bolognese, shakshuka, and slow-cooked meat dishes, or thinning with water and aromatics to create quick pan sauces.