Tomato Paste Or Sauce
A versatile homemade tomato sauce rich in flavor, perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a base for other dishes. Suitable for family meals and food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the vegetables.
- Cook tomatoes, onions, celery, parsley flakes, and red pepper; then run through a strainer.
- Add sugar, cornstarch, salt, and butter to the mixture.
- Pour into a kettle and bring to a boil.
- Boil for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring often.
- Put into clean sterilized jars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, consider adding more cornstarch or reducing the amount of liquid when cooking. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor, so feel free to substitute parsley flakes with fresh parsley if available. If you're looking for a spicier kick, add additional red pepper or some chopped jalapeños. You can also experiment with different types of tomatoes for varied sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This tomato paste or sauce is versatile and can be used in various dishes, such as pasta, stews, or as a base for pizza. Pair it with Kling'S Kielbasa for a hearty meal or use it as a topping for grilled vegetables. It also complements sides like Cole Slaw Superb or a fresh Bow Tie Salad perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store the tomato paste or sauce in clean, sterilized jars. Once opened, keep the jars in the refrigerator and consume within a week. You can also freeze the sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Paste Or Sauce contains roughly 709 calories, with 5g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1434mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute canned tomatoes for fresh ones. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time, as canned tomatoes are already cooked. Use about 1-2 cans of diced or crushed tomatoes to match the volume of fresh tomatoes called for in the recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
Yes, this tomato paste or sauce can be canned for long-term storage. Ensure you follow proper canning procedures to avoid spoilage. Use sterilized jars and process them in a boiling water bath for the recommended time based on your altitude and jar size.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this tomato paste or sauce vegan, simply replace the margarine with a plant-based butter or olive oil. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly, making it easy to adapt without sacrificing flavor or consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).