Although the terms “puree” and “paste” are used interchangeably, there is a difference between tomato puree and tomato paste. Tomato puree is made from tomatoes that have been cooked down until they are soft, while tomato paste is made from tomatoes that have been cooked down until they are very thick.
What is Tomato Puree?
Tomato puree is a thick, red sauce made from simmered tomatoes. It is commonly used as a base for pasta sauces, soups, and stews. Tomato puree can be bought canned or made at home. When making tomato puree at home, it is important to use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. The tomatoes should be peeled and seeded before being simmered with onions and garlic. Bay leaves, basil, and oregano can also be added for additional flavor. Once the tomatoes are cooked down, they can be passed through a food mill or blended until smooth. Tomato puree can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer-term storage.
What is Tomato Paste?
- Tomato paste is a thick, red paste made from cooked tomatoes. It is used as a base or ingredient in sauces, stews, and other dishes. Tomato paste is usually made from Roma tomatoes, which are also known as plum tomatoes. These tomatoes have a high flesh-to-seed ratio, making them ideal for tomato paste.
- The tomatoes are first peeled and then cooked until they break down into a thick pulp. The seeds and skins are then removed, and the pulp is strained to create a smooth paste. Tomato paste can be used fresh or canned.
- It is also available in concentrated form, which is made by cooking the tomato pulp for an extended period of time to remove most of the water content. Tomato paste is an essential ingredient in many Italian dishes, such as lasagna and pizza. It can also be used to add flavor and color to soups, stews, casseroles, and sauces.
Difference between Tomato Puree and Tomato Paste
Tomato puree is a thick liquid made by cooking and straining tomatoes. It is used as a base for many tomato-based dishes such as soups, stews, and sauces. Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomato puree that has been cooked down to remove most of the water content. It is typically sold in small cans or tubes and used as a flavoring agent in many different dishes. While both tomato puree and paste are made from tomatoes, they have different consistencies and uses. The puree is used as a base for soups and sauces while the paste is used more as a flavoring agent. The paste is also much more concentrated than puree, so it takes less to add flavor to a dish.
Conclusion
Tomato puree and tomato paste are both made from tomatoes, but there is a big difference between the two. Tomato puree is made from whole peeled tomatoes while tomato paste is made from ground, concentrated tomatoes. They both have different uses in the kitchen, so it’s important to know the difference before you go shopping.
