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Flavorful Tomato Paste Recipe with Secret Ingredient for Perfect Caramelized Sauce

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A quick and easy caramelized tomato paste sauce with a secret ingredient of dark brown sugar that balances sweet and savory flavors, perfect for pasta, sandwiches, and soups.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz (170 g) tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt, or to taste
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2–3 tbsp water or broth
  • ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil or oregano, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add 6 oz tomato paste, spreading evenly across the pan. Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until thickened and dark red-brown in color.
  4. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar and stir well to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring often to avoid sticking.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Add ¼ teaspoon chili flakes if desired.
  6. Gradually add 2 to 3 tablespoons water or broth to loosen the sauce if too thick. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until desired texture is reached.
  7. Taste and adjust salt or vinegar as needed. Stir in fresh herbs off the heat if using.
  8. Serve warm over pasta, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or use as a base for soups and stews.

Notes

Keep heat medium to medium-low to avoid burning the sugars. Stir constantly for perfect caramelization. Add water or broth to adjust sauce thickness. Fresh herbs added off heat preserve flavor. Can be stored refrigerated up to 5 days or frozen up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato paste, caramelized sauce, dark brown sugar, quick sauce, easy sauce, pasta sauce, savory sauce, vegan sauce, gluten-free sauce

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/flavorful-tomato-paste-recipe-with-secret-ingredient-for-perfect-caramelized-sauce/