16 Vegan Recipes With Tomato Paste (2024)

If you're like me, you may have developed the habit of always keeping some cans of tomato paste on hand in your kitchen. But for a long time, I wasn't sure what to do with them.

But now I know that they are the secret ingredient for adding a burst of intense umami flavor to both slow-cooked and quick recipes. And since a little goes a long way, the small 6-ounce cans work wonderfully in these vegan recipes with tomato paste.

Why you'll love these recipes

• They are all vegan and can be made gluten-free.
• They are loaded with rich savory flavors thanks to the addition of tomato paste.
• They are easy to make and highly rated.

Not to be confused with tomato puree, tomato paste is sold in cans, jars, and tubes. You can find it in supermarkets, specialty stores, and online.

The cans are usually sold in 6-ounce (170 grams) and 12-ounce (340 grams) sizes. The jars and tubes are sold in various sizes within this range.

For most recipes, the 6-ounce size will be more than enough. Any remaining paste can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.

What is tomato paste?

Tomato paste is tomatoes which are cooked down, seeds and skin strained out, to form a thick paste.

How long does tomato paste last after opening?

Once opened, transfer the contents to an air-tight container. You can refrigerate tomato paste for 5 to 7 days, or freeze for 2 to 3 months.

How can I make tomato paste?

If you don't want to purchase it in a can, jar, or tube at the supermarket, you can make your own homemade tomato paste. 10 pounds of fresh tomatoes will yield approximately 20 to 24 ounces paste.

You'll often see recipes that call for tomato paste in everything from salad dressings to Chocolate Lava Cake.

But my favorite vegan recipes with tomato paste include soups, stews, and pasta sauces. The concentrated tomatoes add an extra layer of incredible flavor.

Amy's tip

A little tomato paste goes a long way. If you accidentally add too much, and your dish tastes too acidic, try adding a little sugar to balance the flavor. Balsamic vinegar is another option.

Vegan Vodka Sauce (Penne alla Vodka) from The Urben Life is a dairy-free version of the classic creamy pasta dish. It's ready in under half and hour with only 8 ingredients, plus salt and pepper.

Vegan Cauliflower Bolognese from Veggie Inspired calls for riced cauliflower in place of meat. This vegetable-centric sauce is loved by both adults and children.

Eggplant and Mushroom Rigatoni from Thyme & Love features a plant-based "meaty" sauce cooked with tomatoes, red wine, and balsamic vinegar. Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for the whole wheat rigatoni to make it gluten-free.

Greek Lentil Soup features green or brown lentils cooked in broth with onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and tomato paste. Serve it with a drizzle of red wine vinegar and olive oil for the ultimate flavor explosion.

Vegan Lasagna Soup from Dianne's Vegan Kitchen is easier than making traditional lasagna and just as delicious. Caramelizing the tomato paste before adding the vegetable stock gives this soup and extra layer of flavor.

Chunky Tomato Soup with Cannellini Beans is a Mediterranean-inspired soup featuring a smoky tomato-based broth and creamy white beans. Make a big pot to enjoy during the week or freeze for later.

Spanish Chickpea Stew features a smoky broth seasoned with tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander. You can make this hearty meal in about half and hour with only 10 ingredients, plus salt and pepper.

Vegan Mushroom & Smoked Tofu Bourguignon from The Vegan Larder is rich and delicious. While it does take over 2 hours to prepare, this French-inspired dish is worth your while.