Oven Roasted Tomato Paste or Puree

Elevate your cooking game with this rich and versatile Oven Roasted Tomato Paste or Puree, a recipe designed to capture the essence of ripe, juicy tomatoes at their peak. Perfectly roasted Roma or plum tomatoes are caramelized alongside a drizzle of olive oil, a touch of salt, and optional aromatic additions like garlic cloves and fresh basil leaves. The slow roasting process intensifies their natural sweetness, creating a deeply flavorful base ideal for sauces, soups, or spreads. Choose between a smooth, strained paste or a hearty, textured puree to suit your culinary needs. Bonus? This recipe requires minimal effort, with just 15 minutes of prep and a hands-off roasting time, making it a go-to for anyone looking to stock their kitchen with homemade tomato goodness. Store your puree in jars for quick, fresh flavor or freeze for long-term use—perfect for adding Mediterranean-inspired flair to meals all year round!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 kg ripe tomatoes (Roma or plum preferred)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 garlic cloves (optional)
• 6 fresh basil leaves (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2

Wash the tomatoes thoroughly, remove the stems, and cut them in half lengthwise. If the tomatoes are particularly large, cut them into quarters.

Step 3

Arrange the tomato halves (or quarters) on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up. Add the optional garlic cloves and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Step 4

Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the tomatoes, then sprinkle with salt to enhance the flavor during roasting.

Step 5

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the tomatoes for 2 hours or until they are soft, shriveled, and slightly caramelized at the edges. Check halfway through and rotate the tray if necessary for even cooking.

Step 6

Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly for 10–15 minutes.

Step 7

Transfer the roasted tomatoes (along with the roasted garlic and basil, if used) to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth for a puree or pulse for a chunkier texture, depending on your preference.

Step 8

Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve if you want a smooth paste with no skins or seeds.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You may add a pinch of additional salt or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Step 10

Transfer the tomato paste or puree into sterilized jars or containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Alternatively, freeze in small portions for long-term storage.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2058g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	634

Total Fat 32g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2465.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 82.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.0g	0%
Total Sugars 52g
Protein 19.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 244.3mg	0%
Iron 7.2mg	0%
Potassium 4848.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.4%

Protein: 11.1%

Carbs: 47.5%