Elevate your sandwich game with quick homemade tomato paste

Are you looking for something tasty and easy to spread on bread? Tomato paste is the perfect alternative to traditional sandwiches with cold cuts or cheese. It's quick to make, and the finished product will surely please family members and guests. The intense aroma of garlic and herbs combined with the rich taste of tomatoes creates a spread that pairs wonderfully with fresh bread, crunchy vegetables, or even as an addition to main dishes.

Preparing tomato paste is extremely straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. Here's the list of ingredients you'll need:

          
• 5 medium tomatoes,
• 2-3 cloves of garlic,
• fresh basil,
• ½ teaspoon of hot pepper,
• salt and pepper to taste,
• 2 tablespoons of oil.

Preparation:

      
1. Preparing the tomatoes: Blanch the tomatoes and then peel them. Dice them into small cubes.
2. Preparing the garlic: Crush the garlic using a press or chop it finely. Gently sauté it in heated oil until golden brown.
3. Sautéing the ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes and basil to the sautéed garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and hot pepper.
4. Cooking: Simmer the mixture on a low heat, stirring regularly, until the water from the tomatoes evaporates and the paste thickens.

Once cooled, the paste is ready to serve. You can store it in the fridge for a few days, preferably in a tightly sealed container.

The basic recipe for tomato paste can be easily modified by adding your favourite ingredients or spices. Here are a few ideas

• Cream cheese: Add a bit of cream cheese for a creamier paste.
• Chilli: If you enjoy spicy flavours, increase the amount of hot pepper or add chopped chilli pepper.
• Dried tomatoes: A combination of fresh and dried tomatoes will give the paste a more intense flavour.
• Parmesan: Grated Parmesan enriches the taste and makes the paste more distinctive.
• Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pine nuts add a crunch and an unusual twist.

Homemade tomato paste is a healthy and tasty alternative to shop-bought sauces and an excellent way to use seasonal tomatoes. Thanks to its versatility, it can be used in many ways, making it an extremely practical addition to any kitchen.