There are emergency times when we are in the middle of preparing for a small gathering of friends and realized that we do not have enough tomato paste. Knowing that it is too late to run to buy another can of tomato paste, desperation may kick in. It may feel like we just ruined the gathering before it even starts. Or is there another way? Well, of course there is another way. This article will tell you on how to create tomato paste substitute during these emergency times.
The easiest way to have tomato paste is to thickened the canned tomatoes or tomato sauce. Either one will do. Here are the instructions:
1. How to turn tomato sauce into tomato paste
This process will require a can of tomato sauce. This is the easiest way among the two but which one you prefer may rely on the stock that you have in your own pantry. The can may be either 8 or 15 ounces depending on the paste that you will need. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and then put on a medium heat until it is simmering. This should take about 7 minutes but there will be other factors that can determine a little time difference. However, once you see it on a brisk simmer, then it is done. Remember that the mixture needs to be stirred constantly to avoid any burning. Once the tomato sauce is reduced to tomato paste, you will be able to get about 3 to 4 ounces of paste out of the 8 ounces can and you will be able to get 6 to 7 ounces of tomatoes paste from the larger 15 ounces tomato sauce.
2. How to turn canned tomatoes into tomato paste
If the second is the chosen one, then prepare your blender or food processor. Blend the large can of 14.5 ounce tomato can in a food processor or blender until it is reduced to smooth. Once it is smooth, you will need to pour this reduced tomato into a saucepan. Simmer the tomato mixture on a medium heat. As the process is quite similar to the first one, you will need to stir it constantly. Set your alarm to 8 to 10 minutes, but stop only when you see that the tomato mixture is reduced to about two third of the original volume.
From the can, you should be able to get about 2 or three cups of tomato paste that is equal to 6 ounces.
Have a nice try!
