Friday Food Finds: Boost Umami with No-Waste Tomato Paste

What’s so special about tomato paste? Umami, of course! And what makes tomato paste in a tube so cool? There’s no waste! Gone are the days of opening a can of tomato paste to use only a tablespoon or two. Even with good intentions – and I always had them – that leftover tomato paste would spoil in my refrigerator. Squeezable tomato paste is brilliant.

Umami is considered to be the fifth basic taste

This stuff stays fresh in the refrigerator until I need a squeeze next time.

With my family’s plant-slant diet, I love a little umami boost from foods and ingredients like tomato products, soy sauce, mushrooms, onions and that amazing freshly grated Parmesan cheese! By the way, MSG also provides umami and can actually reduce sodium intake.

Umami is that fifth taste, different from each sweet, salty, bitter and sour. It’s meaty or savory. It’s hard to describe, but it sure adds an element of yum. And I’m especially looking for it when my recipe doesn’t contain meat.

This smokey red been chili is delicious with the addition of tomato paste and some chipotle chili powder, of course.

I add a tablespoon or two of tomato paste to plenty of dishes, including chilis, soups and stews. Typically, I mix it in to sautéed vegetables when I add garlic and dry spices.

There are several brands of tomato paste in a tube. I’ve tried at least three, and I like them all. They taste good, and they stay fresh in the fridge after opening. You’ll find them in most large grocery stores where you find other canned and bottled tomato products.

Lentil Sloppy Joes get a taste lift from tomato paste too.

If you want to learn more about umami, head on over to Umami Information Center or check out an earlier healthy eating tip by my friend and colleague Christine Rosenbloom.

Cheers to delicious, meaty, and savory plant-slant eating! Umami rocks!