How to Store Leftover Tomato Paste
Don't you hate it when a recipe calls for a tablespoon of tomato paste? After you open a can to use the little bit that you need, you still have tomato paste left in the can. It's so wasteful to throw it out and it won't last very long in the refrigerator. So what do you do?
First, put the unopened can of tomato paste in the freezer. After a few hours it will be completely frozen. Run the can under warm water for just a minute. Then, use a can opener to cut off the top and bottom of the can. The frozen tomato paste should slide right out. You can also use the back of a spoon to gently push it out. Then just slice the frozen tomato paste into 1/2 inch slices. You will have six slices which is equal to six tablespoons.
Then just put the frozen slices of tomato paste in a sealable plastic bag and store them in the freezer. The next time you need a tablespoon of tomato paste, just take one out and plop it in your recipe.
I tried another version of this pin which was similar because it also involves freezing the tomato paste. With this method, you spoon the leftover tomato paste into an ice cube tray and freeze it. This way doesn't work as well because the tomato paste gets freezer burn and looks really gross. It's also difficult to get the cubes out. So I definitely recommend the first method of freezing leftover tomato paste.
Inspired by this pin for storing leftover tomato paste.
I love the tip...and I pinned it. Seen on Much Ado party.
ReplyDeleteSlices are a good idea.
ReplyDeleteMy mom does freeze it in the ice cube trays, but she returns in an hour and pops them out and puts them in a Ziplock bag to prevent freezer burn.
I think that's where I messed up. I forgot to come back to the freezer and empty the frozen tomato paste out of the tray.
DeleteThats such a great idea. I just scoop whatever I don't use into a small ziplock and pop it in the freezer. I like this tip! Chrystal @ YUMeating.com
ReplyDeleteSmart idea Chrystal! It seems like that would be even easier!
DeleteNow THIS is a GREAT idea! I pinned, shared it and featured it on my fb. Thanks for linking up at Wonderful Wed Blog Hop. Carrie, A Mother's Shadow
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing Carrie! I appreciate it!
DeleteGreat tip! Thanks for sharing!! I would have never thought to do this:-)
ReplyDeleteI usually end up sitting it in the fridge and trying to use it all up before it goes bad but I think that I need to cut it to start so that I don't waste it :) This seems like it would be easier then cleaning up the ice cube trays!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing tip! I'll be able to use tomato paste again :)
ReplyDeletethats awesome! i love the slices!
ReplyDeleteI do this, but I usually roll it like a cookie log. I wrap it and then put it into a jar and label it so it does not become a UFO (unidentified frozen object).
ReplyDeleteMadonna
MakeMineLemon
GREAT idea! Thank you for sharing this. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a clever idea! Thanks for sharing this great tip with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann