Making tomato puree is an easy way to add rich flavor to soups, curries, sauces, jam, ketchup and pasta. It is also an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A, C and E and potassium.
Tomato puree is easy to make with a food processor or blender, and can be made in a matter of minutes from fresh tomatoes. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Choose Fresh Tomatoes
You can use any variety of ripe, firm, deep red tomatoes for this recipe. Tomatoes that are under ripe or over ripe will have less flavor. Under ripe tomatoes are soft and may release their juice during cooking, while over-ripe tomatoes will give your puree a sour flavor.
2. Preparation Methods
To preserve your tomatoes and ensure their quality for future use, you will need to blanch them first. This simple process will help in preserving their color, taste and nutrients for up to a year.
3. Using Cold Water
To increase the shelf life of your homemade tomato puree, it is best to transfer the partially cooked tomatoes from hot boiling water to cold water after blanching. This helps to reduce the cooking time, making it easier for you to peel off the skins.
4. Blanching Process:
To prepare the tomato puree, you will need to partially cook the tomatoes in boiling water for a few minutes. This will allow the upper layer of the skin to loosen, allowing easy skin peeling.
5. Remove the Skins and Seeds
To get the best results from this puree, it is important to remove all of the seeds and skin. Leaving the skins on will result in a thinner puree.
6. Pour in a Sterilized Jar or Freezer Tray
After you have finished processing your tomato puree, you will need to store it in an air-tight container. This is an excellent way to keep it fresh for a long time and will also save you money in the long run.
Alternatively, you can pour it into a sterilized glass jar or an ice cube tray and freeze it in individual portions. This will then be easy for you to thaw out and use in your recipes for up to 3 months.
7. Storage Options
After the tomato puree has been processed and cooled, it can be stored in a glass or ceramic jar or in freezer trays. This will keep the puree for up to 2 weeks, and it can be used in a variety of dishes such as soups, sauces, stews, sambar etc.
8. Freezing and Storing
Once your tomato puree has been cooled and stored in an air-tight container, you can then freeze it. This will ensure that it retains its freshness and flavor for up to 6 months, and will also save you money in the long term.
Tomato puree is an excellent substitute for store-bought tomato paste. However, it can be tricky to replace it without compromising the flavor and consistency of your dish. So it is best to experiment with different substitutes until you find one that you like!