Tomato paste is a thick, spreadable tomato concentrate that adds depth of flavour to a variety of dishes. Most recipes call for just a couple of tablespoons, leaving you with extra tomato paste to deal with. Here, we show you ways to use up those leftover spoonfuls, plus efficient storage solutions so you get the most value out of this flavour-packed ingredient.

Add it to soups and stews

A little tomato paste adds a lot of flavour to classic beef stew and even hearty vegetable soup. Simply add 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 mL) to sautéed vegetables and meat, breaking up the tomato paste with the back of a spoon so it incorporates easily with the rest of the ingredients. Try it in our hearty Beef Stew.

Add it to meatballs or meat loaf

Stir 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 mL) tomato paste into raw meatball or meat loaf mixture and then shape and cook as directed in your favourite recipe. Make sure the paste is fully incorporated with the other ingredients before cooking. Try it in our Classic Meatballs.

Add it to potato hash

Combine onions and diced cooked potatoes with 1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10 mL) tomato paste before pan-frying for even more flavourful hash browns. As the potato mixture is cooking, sprinkle in smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne, and then top the finished hash browns with a fried or poached egg. Try it in our Poached Eggs over Potato Hash.

Make it a base for pizza

Thinned out with a dash of water and mixed with a pinch of dried oregano, tomato paste makes a fantastic and easy pizza sauce. Because it’s thick, it won’t make the dough soggy. Add a little water to make it spread smoothly over your dough and then sprinkle on your favourite toppings of choice (cheese, veggies, meat) and bake away. Try it on top of our Perfect Pizza Dough.

Make it a salad dressing

Add a tangy pop of flavour to an everyday salad by whisking 1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10 mL) tomato paste into your favourite vinaigrette. This tomato-flavoured dressing pairs particularly well with hearty dinner salads topped with chickpeas, steak or chicken. Try it in our French-Style Shallot Vinaigrette.

Make it a cooking liquid

When cooking couscous, rice or lentils, mix a little tomato paste into your cooking liquid for an easy way to add extra flavour. Whisk about 1 tbsp (15 mL) into broth until it’s fully blended, and use the mixture in place of water. Try it in our Couscous Crunch Salad.

Make it a dip

Take a break from ketchup with this simple dip: Whisk together equal parts tomato paste, plain yogourt, mayonnaise and a touch of Dijon mustard. Stir in fresh or dried herbs, thinly sliced green onion and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with crisp veggies or a dip for oven-baked chicken. Try it alongside our Quinoa-Crusted Chicken Fingers.

How to store tomato paste

Tomato paste can be stored in the fridge for two or three days. Keep it in the container it’s sold in or transfer it to a small bowl or re-sealable container, making sure it’s tightly covered.

To freeze tomato paste, measure out leftovers by the tablespoon and drop onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into an ice cube tray. Freeze until the tomato paste is firm, about 30 minutes. Transfer frozen tomato paste to an airtight container or a freezer bag, and keep for up to four months. Now you have pre-measured tomato paste any time you want to use it in a recipe.

Looking for more ways to use up leftover tomato paste? Try these tasty recipes.

Beef Stroganoff in Rosé Sauce
Stirring in tomato paste after the mushrooms and onions have been sautéed creates a luscious, hearty sauce.

Tomato Cheddar Soup
Tomato paste helps thicken and add even more tomato flavour to this warming winter favourite.

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatball Chili
Thanks to tomato paste, the meat and vegetables in this chili simmer away in a thick, complex sauce that builds flavour over time.