A tasty twist: Elevate your meals with homemade tomato paste

Craving something tasty and easy to spread on bread? Tomato paste is the perfect alternative to traditional sandwiches with cold cuts or cheese. It only takes a moment to prepare, and the end result will delight both household members and guests. The intense aroma of garlic and herbs combined with the rich taste of tomatoes creates a spread that pairs perfectly with fresh bread, crunchy vegetables, or even as an addition to main dishes.

Preparing tomato paste is extremely simple and does not require advanced cooking skills. Here is the list of ingredients you will need:

• 5 medium tomatoes,
• 2-3 cloves of garlic,
• fresh basil,
• ½ teaspoon of hot pepper,
• salt and pepper to taste,
• 2 tablespoons of oil.

Preparation:

1. Preparing the tomatoes: Blanch the tomatoes, then peel them. Cut them into small cubes.
2. Preparing the garlic: Crush the garlic using a press or chop it finely. Sauté it gently in heated oil until golden brown.
3. Sautéing the ingredients: Add the chopped tomatoes and basil to the sautéed garlic. Season everything with salt, pepper, and hot pepper.
4. Cooking: Simmer the mixture on low heat, stirring regularly, until the water from the tomatoes evaporates and the paste thickens.

Once cooled, the paste is ready to serve. You can store it in the fridge for a few days, preferably in a tightly sealed container.

The basic recipe for tomato paste can be easily modified by adding your favourite ingredients or spices. Here are a few ideas:

• Cream cheese: Add a bit of cream cheese for a creamier paste.
• Chili: If you like spicy flavours, increase the amount of hot pepper or add chopped chili pepper.
• Dried tomatoes: A combination of fresh and dried tomatoes will give the paste a more intense flavour.
• Parmesan: Grated Parmesan enriches the taste and makes the paste more distinctive.
• Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pine nuts add a crunch and an unusual twist.

Homemade tomato paste is a healthy and tasty alternative to store-bought sauces and an excellent way to use seasonal tomatoes. Thanks to its versatility, it can be used in many ways, making it an extremely practical addition to any kitchen.