Stretch It: A Can of Tomato Paste

Posted by Sandy Gluck

Caught with just a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste left in a can? Who hasn't been? Well, the first thing you might want to do is freeze it -- not in the jar, but spooned into ice-cube trays. Once they're frozen, pop them out and transfer to a freezer container or a resealable plastic bag.

Now when you're ready to make a stew, or a soup you've got the perfect amount of tomato paste on hand. It's also good for tossing into pasta dishes, brushing on grilled bread, or adding to a pot of beans you might have cooking. Making a quick sauteed chicken breast for dinner? Cook it until done, take it out, and then add some broth and a cube or two of tomato paste to the pan -- instant sauce. No waste and, even better, something in the freezer to build on.

SEE THE RECIPE:
Classic Tomato Soup

Comments

[Tara @ Feels like home]

What a fantastic idea. Wht didn't we think of it ourselves?? Thanks!

[Melinda]

This is one of my favorite ideas from EDF. I use it all the time and have started doing it with chile peppers in adobo, green chiles, and leftover broth. I can't tell you how many times I've been saved when I needed a bit of tomato paste and didn't have a can in the pantry but had some hiding in the freezer. GENIUS!!!

[hardboiledegg]

wow that is good use homemade chicken stock also this reminds me of Ann marie that girl from that girl TV show years ago she used ketchup for soup with hot water she was on a budget as a struggling actress

[Corey]

This is a great idea. I just tossed some leftover tomato paste a few days ago too.

Dang it.