How To Use Tomato Paste in Vegan Recipes

Tomato paste is one of those little pantry ingredients that does a lot of heavy lifting. A spoonful or two can make vegan soups, stews, sauces, and chili taste richer and more savory without needing a long list of ingredients.

If you've ever opened a can for one recipe and wondered what to do with the rest, you're in the right place. These vegan recipes with tomato paste are easy ways to use it in pasta sauce, lentil soup, chickpea stew, chili, and more.

A can of tomato paste, a spoon in a bowl of Spanish Chickpea Stew, a pot of lentil soup, and a plate of spaghetti with red sauce.

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What is tomato paste?

Tomato paste is made from tomatoes that have been cooked down into a thick, concentrated paste. Because it has much less water than tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, it adds bold tomato flavor without making a recipe too liquidy.

You'll usually find it sold in small cans or tubes. Cans are economical and easy to keep in the pantry, while tubes are convenient when you only need a tablespoon or two.

How to use tomato paste

Tomato paste can be stirred directly into soups and sauces, but it tastes even better when it has a chance to cook for a minute or two first.

For the best flavor, add it after sauteing your aromatics, such as onion and garlic. Stir it into the oil and let it cook until it darkens slightly before adding broth, tomatoes, beans, lentils, or other ingredients.

This simple step helps bring out its deeper flavor and keeps it from tasting flat or tinny.

Vegan recipes with tomato paste

Tomato Paste Pasta Sauce

Bowl of spaghetti and tomato sauce garnished with fresh herbs.

When you need a quick pasta dinner, tomato paste makes it possible to turn a few pantry ingredients into a rich, flavorful sauce. This simple sauce is a great alternative to jarred marinara and is easy to customize with your favorite herbs, vegetables, or spices.

Tomato Paste Pasta Sauce Recipe →

Mediterranean Lentil Soup

Bowl of lentil soup with blue napkin and spoon next to it.

Tomato paste gives this classic lentil soup its savory broth, along with onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and green or brown lentils. Finish each bowl with red wine vinegar and a drizzle of olive oil for the best flavor.

Mediterranean Lentil Soup Recipe →

Chunky Tomato Soup with Cannellini Beans

This cozy Mediterranean-inspired tomato white bean soup gets extra richness from tomato paste and smoked paprika.

Chunky Tomato Soup Recipe →

Spanish Chickpea Stew

Bowl of stew with a piece of bread on the side.

Tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander give this chickpea stew its bold, smoky broth. It's made with simple ingredients and is especially good with crusty bread for dipping.

Chickpea and Tomato Stew Recipe →

Vegan Red Lentil Chili

Bowl of chili topped with jalapeno pepper slices, red onions, and cilantro with tortilla chips on the side.

Tomato paste helps create a deeper tomato base in this vegan chili made with red lentils, beans, and warming spices. It can be made on the stove or in the Instant Pot.

Vegan Red Lentil Chili Recipe →

Vegan Tofu Meatballs

Plate with tofu meatballs on it and one in front with a bite taken out of it.

Tomato paste adds savory flavor to these baked or air-fried tofu meatballs. Serve them with pasta or enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tofu Meatballs Recipe →

How to store leftover tomato paste

Most recipes only call for a small amount of tomato paste, so it's common to have some left over.

Once opened, transfer any extra tomato paste to an airtight container and refrigerate it. For longer storage, freeze it in tablespoon portions. Once frozen, transfer the portions to a freezer-safe bag or container so you can grab what you need for future soups, stews, sauces, and chili.

A silicone ice cube tray works well for this, but you can also portion spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined plate or small baking sheet and freeze until solid.

Conclusion

Tomato paste may come in a tiny can, but it brings big flavor to vegan cooking. Keep some in your pantry, freeze any leftovers, and you'll always have an easy way to add richness to pasta sauce, soups, stews, chili, and more.

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Love and Veggies,

Amy