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What goes with tomato paste

What goes with tomato paste: garlic, olive oil, anchovy, chili flakes, oregano, red wine.

Best pairings

  • Garlic

    Fried with the paste until brick-red — the base of every Italian sauce.

  • Olive oil

    Bloom the paste in hot oil to caramelize and deepen the flavor.

  • Anchovy

    Melts in as silent umami — no fishiness.

  • Chili flakes

    Bloomed alongside for arrabbiata heat.

  • Oregano

    Dried — added with the paste so it perfumes the oil.

  • Red wine

    Deglazes the caramelized paste into a deep ragu base.

FAQ

Tomato paste vs canned tomatoes?

Paste is concentrated and used for depth; canned tomatoes are for body. Most sauces want a tablespoon of paste plus a can of tomatoes.

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