We have all been there. A recipe calls for one spoonful of tomato paste, which requires opening a full can. Sure, you can buy tomato paste in a tube that lasts a long time after opening in your refrigerator, but it’s considerably more expensive per ounce. You open the can, take out the necessary tablespoon, and place the remainder in a container that sits in the back of the fridge and deteriorates. Alternatively, it goes into the freezer, where you must chip away at it to get the next tablespoon out.
You’ll eventually need to utilize up that tomato paste. These 11 recipes use up to 3 tablespoons of tomato paste. You have a range of meals to select from, ensuring that all of that concentrated tomato goodness is not wasted.
- Pasta Puttanesca
Puttanesca is created with pantry essentials such as boxed spaghetti, crushed tomatoes, canned anchovies, jarred olives and capers, and a small amount of tomato paste. In 40 minutes, you may have a flavorful pasta dish with fresh garlic and onion.
Uses 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
- Burrito Casserole
This casserole is similar to a chicken burrito but does not require the rolling of tortillas. To prepare a filling dinner, layer rice with spices, tomato paste, and chicken stock, then add shredded chicken, beans, salsa verde, and cheese.
Uses 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
- Lentil Soup
To prepare this highly flavored and healthful soup, toast tomato paste, which is simple to do. Add it to the heated pot where you’ve already cooked the onions, and stir for a few minutes until it turns rosy brown. Then add seasoning, vegetables, lentils, and vegetable stock, and allow the heat to work its magic.
Uses two teaspoons of tomato paste.
- Chicken Curry
This highly seasoned and fiery-hot chicken curry, a gift to Guyanese cuisine by Guyana’s Indian minority, is served with rice or roti. There is a modest amount of tomato paste to round out the curry’s flavor.
Uses 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
- Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup
This vegetarian soup delivers comfort in a bowl. Green cabbage, carrots, onions, garlic, and crushed tomatoes are simmered in a vegetable broth with a small amount of tomato paste added. The sweet and sour flavors are created by combining vinegar and brown sugar. It makes a large pot, and the leftovers freeze well.
Uses two teaspoons of tomato paste.
- Italian Meatballs
With these meatballs and a box of spaghetti, you can prepare everyone’s favorite comfort food dinner. The meatballs are large and pillowy-soft, with a sauce made from a can of crushed tomatoes and some tomato paste. Make sure you have garlic bread on hand to finish the meal.
Uses one tablespoon of tomato paste.
- Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
Make this Tex-Mex tortilla soup with a vegetable stock flavored with tomato paste. The soup is packed with vegetables, beans, canned diced tomatoes, corn, and a variety of spices. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as avocado and sour cream.
Uses one tablespoon of tomato paste.
- Pasta with Cauliflower, Tomato and Parmesan
This basic spaghetti with cauliflower, anchovies, and onion is served with a sauce made from a can of whole tomatoes and some tomato paste. It’s seasoned with Parmesan cheese and toasted breadcrumbs. It’s a tasty pasta recipe that creates excellent leftovers.
Uses three tablespoons of tomato paste.
- Patatas bravas
These roasted potatoes are mixed with a spicy, smoky tomato sauce and served as a Spanish tapas or appetizer. Tabasco or another spicy sauce adds some heat (but not too much), while smoked paprika adds some smoke.
Uses two teaspoons of tomato paste.
- Crab Bisque
This creamy crab bisque is made using either crab shell stock or store-bought stock. Puree the stock with wine, white rice, a small amount of crab, and tomato paste. Then add more crab, cream, and salt. It is divine.
Uses two teaspoons of tomato paste.
- Lasagna
Many people consider lasagna to be the ultimate comfort food—and maybe the finest way to use up leftover tomato paste. It consists of layers of meat sauce, cheese, and noodles cooked till bubbling hot.
Use Three tablespoons of tomato paste.
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