If you’ve ever opened a can of tomato paste for a recipe and found yourself with half the can left over, you’re not alone. Many recipes call for only a small amount of tomato paste, leaving the rest of the can to sit unused in the fridge, where it often spoils before you can use it again. Throwing away unused tomato paste is frustrating and wasteful, but there’s a clever solution to this problem: freezing!
Freezing tomato paste is a fantastic way to ensure that you always have small portions available for cooking, and it prevents any from going to waste. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to freeze tomato paste, along with tips for storing it properly so that it stays fresh and ready for your next meal.
Why Freeze Tomato Paste?
Tomato paste is a versatile ingredient that adds depth and flavor to a variety of dishes, from sauces to soups and stews. However, most recipes only require a tablespoon or two, leaving you with an opened can that you may not use up in time. Here are the key reasons why freezing tomato paste is a game-changer:
- Prevents Waste: Freezing allows you to preserve any leftover paste, ensuring it doesn’t spoil in the fridge.
- Convenience: Freezing tomato paste in small portions makes it easy to grab just the right amount for future recipes without opening a new can.
- Cost-Efficient: Saving leftover tomato paste means you get more value from each can, helping you reduce food waste and save money.
The Best Freezing Methods for Tomato Paste
There are a couple of clever methods to freeze tomato paste, both of which are simple and ensure that your leftover paste stays fresh and easy to use.
Method 1: Freezing in Tablespoon Portions
This is the most convenient method, especially for recipes that call for small amounts of tomato paste.
What You’ll Need:
- A tablespoon
- A baking sheet or tray
- Parchment or wax paper
- A freezer-safe container or zip-top bag
Steps:
- Scoop out the paste: After using the amount you need, scoop the leftover tomato paste from the can using a tablespoon.
- Create individual portions: Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment or wax paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds of tomato paste onto the lined tray. Space the mounds slightly apart so they don’t touch.
- Freeze: Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze the tomato paste mounds until they are solid. This should take about 2-3 hours.
- Transfer to a container: Once the mounds are completely frozen, remove them from the tray and transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label the bag with the date so you know when you froze it.
- Use as needed: When you need tomato paste for a recipe, simply take out as many frozen portions as you need. They can be added directly to hot dishes like soups and sauces without needing to thaw first.
Method 2: Freezing in Ice Cube Trays
If you want slightly larger portions or prefer a more structured shape, using ice cube trays is another fantastic option.
What You’ll Need:
- Ice cube trays
- A freezer-safe container or zip-top bag
Steps:
- Fill the trays: Scoop the leftover tomato paste into the compartments of an ice cube tray, filling each compartment about halfway (depending on how much paste you want in each cube).
- Freeze: Place the ice cube tray in the freezer and freeze the tomato paste until solid, which usually takes 2-4 hours.
- Transfer to a bag or container: Once the cubes are frozen, pop them out of the tray and transfer them to a labeled freezer-safe container or bag.
- Use as needed: Just like the tablespoon portions, these cubes can be added directly to recipes straight from the freezer.
Tips for Freezing Tomato Paste Successfully
- Portion Sizes: If most of your recipes call for one or two tablespoons of tomato paste, freezing the paste in tablespoon-sized mounds is ideal. For larger portions, use ice cube trays or double the amount per scoop.
- Labeling: Always label your containers or bags with the date you froze the tomato paste. Tomato paste can last up to 3 months in the freezer, but labeling will help you keep track of when you should use it.
- Prevent Freezer Burn: Be sure to transfer the frozen portions to airtight containers or bags to prevent freezer burn, which can affect the taste and texture of the tomato paste.
- Thawing Options: You don’t have to thaw tomato paste before using it. Simply drop the frozen portion directly into hot soups, stews, or sauces. It will melt quickly and blend into your dish without any issues.
Benefits of Freezing Tomato Paste
Freezing tomato paste has many advantages beyond just preventing waste:
- Extended Shelf Life: Once opened, a can of tomato paste will only last about a week in the fridge before it starts to go bad. Freezing it extends its shelf life significantly, so you can keep it for months.
- Ready-to-Use Portions: Freezing in small portions makes it easy to add the exact amount of tomato paste you need to your recipes without the hassle of opening a new can or figuring out what to do with the leftovers.
- Preserves Flavor: Freezing preserves the rich, concentrated flavor of tomato paste, ensuring that your dishes continue to have that depth and savory taste, even months after the can was opened.
- Saves Money: By avoiding waste, you get the most value from every can of tomato paste you buy, helping you save money on groceries in the long run.
With this simple freezing trick, you can say goodbye to wasting leftover tomato paste. Whether you choose to freeze it in tablespoon-sized portions or ice cube trays, this method ensures that you always have the perfect amount of tomato paste on hand when you need it. It’s an easy, practical solution that prevents waste, saves money, and makes cooking even more convenient.
Next time you open a can of tomato paste, try freezing the leftovers and enjoy the benefits of having ready-to-use portions for all your favorite recipes. With just a little planning, you can avoid the frustration of spoiled tomato paste and always have this flavorful ingredient at your fingertips!
