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Are you ready to take your curry dishes to the next level? Look no further than homemade tomato puree. In this recipe, I’ll guide you through creating your own easy and vibrant tomato puree to add a delightful tang and richness to your favourite curries.
As a registered dietitian with a deep love for culinary exploration, I’m excited to share the art of making homemade pureed tomatoes with you. Growing up, I witnessed the incredible impact that fresh ingredients and thoughtful cooking techniques had on the flavours and nutritional value of cultural meals.
Today, it is my mission to combine my expertise as a dietitian with a passion for cooking, empowering you to create wholesome and delicious dishes that nourish both body and soul.
Nutrition highlights
When it comes to a recipe for tomato puree, its benefits extend beyond flavour. Here are some nutritional highlights:
- Rich in vitamins A and C, which support a healthy immune system.
- Packed with antioxidants that help combat inflammation and protect against diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
- Contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its potential role in promoting cardiovascular health and curbing the risk for some types of cancers.
Cooking method tip: Preserving the freshness of tomatoes
To ensure the best flavour and nutritional value in your tomato puree, starting with ripe tomatoes at their peak freshness is key. You want to look for firm, bright red tomatoes free from blemishes. This will guarantee a vibrant and delicious puree for your curries.
Ingredients
- Ripe tomatoes on the vine (Campari tomatoes). Not only are they easy to find, I particularly love their sweetness!
- Water for boiling
- Ice
5 delightful ways to use tomato puree in South Asian cuisine
Embrace the authentic flavours of South Asian cuisine by incorporating this puree into traditional dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Rich Curries: Tomato puree is a staple in South Asian curries like butter chicken, rogan josh, or chana masala. Its vibrant colour and tangy flavour enhance the richness and depth of these traditional dishes.
- Tangy Chutneys: Prepare tangy and flavorful chutneys by combining tomato puree with ingredients like tamarind, spices, and herbs. These chutneys serve as delightful accompaniments to samosas, pakoras, or dosas.
- Tomato-Based Gravies: Use tomato puree as a base for gravies in dishes like paneer tikka masala or aloo matar. Its smooth texture and tangy taste form the foundation of these mouthwatering South Asian delicacies.
- Spicy Salsas: Blend tomato puree with fiery spices, onions, and green chillies to create spicy salsas. These salsas are perfect for adding a zesty kick to kebabs, biryanis, or grilled meats.
- Flavorful Rice Dishes: Incorporate tomato puree into rice dishes like tomato rice or biryani for an extra burst of tang and vibrant colour. It infuses the rice grains with a delightful aroma and adds depth to the overall flavour.
How to make pureed tomatoes
Instructions
Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
Remove them from the heat after 1.5 minutes or when you notice the skin peeling off.
Store the tomato puree in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for longer storage.
Substitution tip: No fresh tomatoes? No problem!
If you don’t have access to fresh tomatoes or they are out of season, don’t let that stop you! A fantastic alternative is to use canned tomatoes. Look for high-quality canned tomatoes that are free from added salt or preservatives. While the flavour may have a slight variation compared to fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes still provide a convenient and flavorful option to create your own delicious tomato puree for your curry recipes.
Commonly Ask Questions (You Asked)
Tomato puree vs tomato paste
Ah, the great tomato debate: puree versus paste! Let’s clear things up. Tomato puree is a smooth and thick liquid made from cooked (and sometimes strained) tomatoes, offering a balance of flavours and a vibrant colour. It adds a lovely tang and richness to sauces, soups, and curries.
On the other hand, tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes, giving a deep, intense flavour with a hint of sweetness. It’s fantastic for adding depth to dishes, but use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated.
Both have their place in the kitchen, so feel free to experiment and find your perfect tomato companion for various recipes.
Can I freeze the homemade tomato puree?
Absolutely! Freezing homemade tomato puree is a great way to extend its shelf life. Simply transfer the puree into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for convenient portioning. When needed, thaw the frozen puree in the refrigerator overnight or use it directly in your favourite curry recipes. It’s important to note that the texture may slightly change after freezing. You can enjoy it for two months.
Do I need to peel tomatoes for puree?
A: Not necessarily! When it comes to making tomato puree, peeling the tomatoes is a matter of personal preference. The skins of tomatoes are pretty thin and blend smoothly, so leaving them on won’t drastically impact the texture or flavour of your puree. However, if you prefer a smoother consistency (like I do!) or want to ensure there are no bits of skin, you can quickly blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds and then cool them in an ice bath. This will make it easier to remove the peels. Ultimately, it’s up to you and the specific recipe you’re preparing, so feel free to experiment and find what works best for you!
Food Safe Storage
Proper storage ensures the longevity of your tomato puree while maintaining its quality.
To keep your homemade tomato puree fresh:
- Transfer the puree to sterilized glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Store the jars in the fridge for 3-4 days.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this tomato puree for curries! If you give it a try, please rate the recipe, and leave a comment sharing your experience. Don’t forget to tag me @desiliciousrd on Instagram when you share your delicious creations. Your feedback and shared moments mean the world to me!
Get the Recipe:
20-Minute Tomato Puree For Curries
Ingredients
- 9 tomatoes , on the vine, medium, washed
- 6 litres water, for boiling tomatoes and ice bath
- 4 cups ice, for ice bath
Equipment
- 1 blender
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes by removing the stems and making a small "X" incision at the bottom of each.
- Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for about 1.5 minutes until the skin starts to peel off.
- Transfer them to ice water to cool, making it easier to peel the skin.
- Remove the hard cores of the tomatoes and blend until smooth.
- Transfer to a pot and boil for 10 minutes to thicken the tomato puree.
- Once you've achieved the desired thickness, transfer the tomato puree to clean, dry glass jars for convenient storage.
Notes
Cooking method tip: Preserving the freshness of tomatoes
- To ensure the best flavour and nutritional value in your tomato puree, starting with ripe tomatoes at their peak freshness is key. You want to look for firm, bright red tomatoes free from blemishes. This will guarantee a vibrant and flavorful puree for your curries.
Substitution tip: No fresh tomatoes? No problem!
- If you don’t have access to fresh tomatoes or they are out of season, don’t let that stop you! A fantastic alternative is to use canned tomatoes. Look for high-quality canned tomatoes that are free from added salt or preservatives. While the flavour may have a slight variation compared to fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes still provide a convenient and flavorful option to create your own delicious tomato puree for your curry recipes.
Nutrition Information:
Keep in mind that the nutritional values provided are approximations and suggestions, and might fluctuate depending on ingredient variations, portion sizes, and recipe adjustments. This nutrition facts table cannot account for your individual needs. Your body — including your hunger and satiety cues — change daily. It’s perfectly fine to eat more or less on different days. Instead of letting food guilt take over, consider mindful eating.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
