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I sometimes make sauces that use tomato paste. The problem is that usually I need only one or two tablespoons and I don't know what to do with the rest of the can. The smallest can I could find is 6 oz. and while it only costs 50 cents, I hate the thought of the rest going to waste. It's also not particularly flavorful.

Any ideas?

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This isn’t really an answer to your question, but I have found that Amore brand tomato paste has better flavor than canned tomato pastes and it comes in a resealable metal tube, which you can store in the refrigerator and take out whenever you need a tablespoon or two of tomato paste. It’s also more expensive than canned tomato pastes but you actually get the opportunity to use all of it rather than just a spoonful or two.

America’s Test Kitchen reviewed tomato pastes (subscription required link) and came to the same conclusion:

Sold in a 4 1/2-ounce tube and priced at $2.49 (considerably higher than other tomato pastes), Amore Tomato Paste shined in our initial from-the-tube tasting—no cooking, no sauce. Tasters described the product as “intense” and “fresh,” which may be because of the fat it contains. It also scored points because of its tube packaging. Just squeeze out what you need and store the rest in the fridge. No fuss, no waste.

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  • Agreed -- it's much more common in Europe to find things like this in tubes (anchovy paste, mustard, etc.)
    – Joe
    Sep 3, 2010 at 9:45
  • These are the best. They last forever in the fridge too, so there is no waste.
    – mohlsen
    Sep 3, 2010 at 12:02
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I freeze it in ice cube trays or silicone muffin cups, then pop them out into a ziploc bag once they're frozen. It's much cheaper to buy a big can and portion it up like this than to use the tiny cans or tubes.

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    That is absolutely brilliant. I'm going to be using this idea.
    – Sean Hart
    Jan 26, 2011 at 15:22
  • I like the idea of portioning and freezing leftover tomato paste and always have the intention of doing it but, I'm going to honest. I admit that when I buy a 'can' of tomato paste, rather than the resealable tube, I always end up throwing away the unused tomato paste.
    – ebacklund
    Jan 26, 2011 at 18:46
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I always freeze it.

(zip-lock freezer bags, although at the price your quoting, wasting it might almost be cheaper :) )

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Personally I'd just eat it. Toast some bread, stick some paste on top and then a little cheese, perhaps a bit of EVOO. Perhaps a little basil if you have it. Essentially a mini pizza - brilliant snack IMO.

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  • +1, and I'd go from perhaps to more like "definitely" on the basil, tho :)
    – zanlok
    Jan 27, 2011 at 4:22
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I buy tomato paste in a squeeze tube for that same reason. I used to buy the can, and freeze leftovers in 1 tablespoon portions. I'd toss one or two in soups or stews for a little bonus flavor.

I've been known to toss the remainder of the can into a bread recipe with a bit of dried basil and garlic.

For a simple side dish, I have sauteed some onions and garlic, added the remainder of the can of paste, then toss in an undrained can of french style green beans, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

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