This Paleo Tomato Paste Will Revolutionize Your Favorite Dishes

If you’re following the paleo diet, you may be wondering if tomato paste is allowed. Tomato paste is a staple ingredient in many recipes, including stews, soups, and sauces. However, it’s important to know if tomato paste is paleo-friendly to ensure you’re following the diet correctly.

Tomato paste is made by cooking and dehydrating tomatoes into a concentrated paste. While tomatoes are generally considered a paleo-approved food, the process of making tomato paste involves cooking and dehydrating, which can raise questions about its paleo status. Some paleo purists may argue that tomato paste is not allowed because it’s a processed food, while others may argue that it’s a natural food that’s simply been concentrated.

Table of Contents

What Is Paleo Tomato Paste?

Defining Paleo

If you follow the Paleo diet, you know that it is based on the foods that our ancestors ate during the Paleolithic era. The diet consists of lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It excludes processed foods, grains, legumes, and dairy. The idea behind the diet is that our bodies are not designed to digest these modern foods, leading to inflammation and other health problems.

Tomato Paste Basics

Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes that is commonly used in many recipes, such as soups, stews, and sauces. It is made by cooking down tomatoes until most of the water has evaporated, leaving a thick, rich paste. While tomatoes are considered a healthy food, you may wonder if tomato paste is Paleo-friendly.

The answer is yes, tomato paste is generally considered Paleo-friendly. It is made from a single ingredient, tomatoes, and does not contain any grains, legumes, or dairy. However, it is important to read the label carefully, as some brands may contain added sugars, preservatives, or other non-Paleo ingredients. Look for tomato paste that is made with only tomatoes and possibly salt.

In summary, tomato paste is a flavorful and versatile ingredient that can be used in many Paleo recipes. Just be sure to choose a brand that is made with only Paleo-friendly ingredients.

Health Benefits of Paleo Tomato Paste

Tomato paste is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is also a popular ingredient in the paleo diet. Here are some of the health benefits of paleo tomato paste.

Nutritional Profile

Tomato paste is a good source of nutrients. According to nutritionadvance.com, tomato paste is a low-calorie condiment that mainly provides a small amount of carbohydrate. It also offers a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Here is a table that shows the nutritional profile of 1/4 cup of tomato paste:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	54
Carbohydrates	12 g
Protein	2 g
Fat	0.5 g
Fiber	3 g
Vitamin A	20% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C	15% of the DV
Vitamin K	10% of the DV
Potassium	15% of the DV
Manganese	10% of the DV

Dietary Advantages

Tomato paste is a paleo-friendly ingredient that can provide several dietary advantages. Tomato paste is made from a natural, unprocessed ingredient – tomatoes. The process of making tomato paste involves cooking down tomatoes and removing the excess water, resulting in a concentrated form of the fruit. According to paleoplan.com, tomato paste is a great source of lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect against certain types of cancer.

Tomato paste is also a good source of fiber. According to casadesante.com, the fiber in tomato paste can help regulate digestion and promote a healthy gut. Additionally, the low glycemic index of tomato paste means that it can help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a good choice for people with diabetes.

In conclusion, paleo tomato paste is a nutritious and versatile ingredient that can provide several health benefits. It is a great addition to any paleo-friendly recipe.

Making Paleo Tomato Paste at Home

If you’re following a paleo diet, you’re likely looking for ways to make your own condiments and sauces to avoid processed and packaged foods. Tomato paste is a versatile ingredient that adds depth and flavor to many dishes, from stews and soups to marinades and dressings. Making your own paleo tomato paste at home is easy and allows you to control the quality of the ingredients.

Ingredients Selection

To make paleo tomato paste, you’ll need fresh, ripe tomatoes, preferably organic and locally grown. Choose meaty, low-moisture tomatoes like Roma or San Marzano, which contain less water and more flesh than other varieties. You’ll also need sea salt, which is a paleo-friendly alternative to regular table salt, and olive oil, which will help preserve the paste and prevent it from drying out.

Preparation Steps

To make paleo tomato paste, start by washing the tomatoes and removing the stems. Cut them into quarters and remove the seeds and pulp with a spoon. Place the tomato quarters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt. Roast the tomatoes in the oven at 400°F for about 30 minutes, or until they’re soft and caramelized.

Once the tomatoes are roasted, let them cool for a few minutes, then transfer them to a blender or food processor. Blend the tomatoes until they’re smooth and creamy, then transfer the mixture to a large pot or Dutch oven. Cook the tomato puree over low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces by about half.

Preservation Techniques

To preserve your homemade paleo tomato paste, you can either can it or freeze it. To can the paste, transfer it to sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes, then let them cool and store them in a cool, dark place for up to a year. To freeze the paste, spoon it into ice cube trays or small containers, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cubes or containers to a ziplock bag, and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Making your own paleo tomato paste at home is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy the rich flavor and nutritional benefits of fresh, whole ingredients. With a few basic kitchen tools and some quality ingredients, you can create a versatile and delicious condiment that will enhance the flavor of many of your favorite dishes.

Paleo Tomato Paste Recipes

If you’re following a paleo diet, you may be wondering how to incorporate tomato paste into your meals. Luckily, there are several paleo-friendly tomato paste recipes that you can try.

Paleo Spaghetti Sauce

One of the most popular uses for tomato paste is in spaghetti sauce. To make a paleo-friendly spaghetti sauce, you can start with a base of diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Add in some garlic, onion, and your favorite herbs and spices, and you’ll have a delicious sauce that’s perfect for topping zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the garlic and onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your liking.

Paleo Pizza Sauce

If you’re a fan of pizza, you’ll be happy to know that you can make a paleo-friendly pizza sauce using tomato paste. This recipe is quick and easy to make, and it’s a great way to add some flavor to your homemade paleo pizza.

Here’s what you’ll need:

6 oz tomato paste
2/3 cup hot water
1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato paste and hot water until smooth.
Add the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Whisk until everything is well combined.
Use the sauce immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Paleo Ketchup

If you’re looking for a paleo-friendly condiment to add to your meals, homemade ketchup is a great option. This recipe uses tomato paste as a base, and it’s sweetened with honey instead of sugar.

Here’s what you’ll need:

6 oz tomato paste
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup water
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt

In a small saucepan, whisk together the tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey, water, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and let the ketchup simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your liking.
Let the ketchup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

The Timeless Taste Upgrade: This Paleo Addition Will Revolutionize Your Favorite Dishes