Homemade Tomato Paste Recipe
Have you ever walked through the market and found a deal on ripe tomatoes that you just couldn’t pass up? Or maybe you’ve harvested more tomatoes than expected from your garden and now you’re wondering how to make good use of them before they spoil. That’s exactly how I started making my own tomato paste at home—and today, I want to show you how you can do the same with this easy homemade tomato paste recipe.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about turning a simple, seasonal ingredient into something rich, flavorful, and useful in so many dishes.
A homemade tomato paste recipe is one of those humble pantry staples that makes a big difference in everyday cooking—adding depth to stews, flavor to sauces, and richness to soups. And when you make it yourself, you not only save money, but you also have full control over what goes into your food.
This easy tomato paste recipe has become a habit for me—especially when tomatoes are cheap or when I’ve stocked up during a sale. Instead of letting them go bad, I preserve ripe tomatoes while they’re still good and store the paste in the freezer to use throughout the coming months. It’s a practical way to steward what we have and prepare ahead.
Here on the blog and on our YouTube channel Recipes and Hospitality with Clara, we’re all about simple, budget-friendly recipes that enhance your hospitality and serve your family well—all for the glory of God.
I believe that every time we step into the kitchen, we have an opportunity to reflect God’s love through service, creativity, and care. Even something as small as making a homemade tomato paste recipe can be part of that mission.
So, if you’re ready to learn how to make tomato paste from fresh tomatoes and preserve them for months, let’s dive right in!
Why Make Your Own Tomato Paste?
Store-bought tomato paste may be convenient, but a homemade tomato paste recipe is:
- Healthier (no preservatives or additives)
- Cheaper (especially when tomatoes are in season)
- Customizable (add your favorite spices like paprika or leave it plain)
- Perfect for Freezing (portion into small containers for future meals)
This DIY tomato paste recipe uses common ingredients and works beautifully as a tomato preservation method.
Easy Homemade Tomato Paste Recipe | How to Make & Store It
Equipment
- 1 knife
- 1 chopping board
- 1 Immersion blender (or standard blender or potato masher)
- 1 Pressure cooker (or large pot)
- 1 Fine mesh sieve (plus bowl to sieve in the paste)
- 1 Large cooking pan (preferably wide for faster reduction)
- 1 Measuring Cup
- Storage containers (freezer-safe)
Ingredients
- 2 kgs. Ripe or overripe tomatoes (4.4 lbs.)
- 1 tsp. Salt (to taste)
- 2 tsps. Paprika or other spices (optional)
- 4 tbsps. Vegetable oil
- ½ cup Water (to help with pressure cooking)
Instructions
- Wash and Chop the TomatoesStart by thoroughly washing your tomatoes. Cut them into quarters or eighths depending on their size. Remove any bad spots you find.
- Cook the TomatoesPlace the chopped tomatoes into a pressure cooker with about ½ cup of water.Cook on high heat until the pressure builds, then reduce to low and cook for 5 more minutes. If you're not using a pressure cooker, just simmer until the tomatoes are very soft.(If you are using the pressure cooker, ensure the pressure cooker has released all its pressure before opening it.)
- Blend the TomatoesUse an immersion blender (or a standard blender) to blend the tomatoes into a smooth mixture. Be cautious while blending hot mixtures—allow them to cool slightly if needed.
- Strain the MixturePour the blended tomatoes through a sieve to remove seeds and skin. This creates the smooth base of your homemade tomato paste recipe.
- Cook Down the PasteAdd salt, paprika (optional), and the oil. Stir until evenly mixed. Return the smooth pulp to a pan. Cook on low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. A wider pan will speed up the cooking process and give you a thicker paste.
- Cool and StoreLet the paste cool completely. Then portion it into small containers and freeze. This freezer-friendly tomato paste will be ready for use whenever you need it.
Video
Notes
A Note on Nutrition
Don’t worry about boiling your tomatoes! Lycopene—a powerful antioxidant in tomatoes—actually becomes more bioavailable when tomatoes are cooked. While some vitamin C may be lost, the most important nutrients such as beta-carotene and potassium remain strong in this homemade tomato paste recipe.Free Gift: Meal Planning Templates
To help you stay organized and purposeful in the kitchen, I’ve created two helpful meal planning printables:
- Click here to download a Blank Meal Plan Template – customize your own plan with your favorite dishes
- Click here to download a Filled Kenyan Meal Plan – for inspiration during your weekly planning
For more edifying content on hospitality, budget-friendly living, discipleship, and purpose, sign up here to receive our FREE Weekly Newsletter.
Final Thoughts
A homemade tomato paste recipe is more than just a way to use up tomatoes—it’s a step toward intentional living, stewardship, and Christ-centered hospitality.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing to serve guests, having this paste ready to go will save you time and money while allowing you to bless others.
Try this budget-friendly kitchen tip and let me know how it goes in the comments! And don’t forget to watch the full video to see each step in action.
Enhance your hospitality for the glory of God.
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