Tomato Passata Recipe

Tomato Passata is a smooth, uncooked tomato purée made by blending ripe tomatoes and straining out the seeds and skins. It is a key ingredient in many Italian dishes and is often used as a base for sauces, soups, and stews. Unlike tomato sauce or paste, passata has a fresher tomato flavor because it hasn’t been cooked down, making it ideal for dishes where a bright tomato taste is desired.

How to Make Tomato Passata

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (1 kg) ripe tomatoes (San Marzano or Roma tomatoes are ideal)
• Salt (optional, to taste)
• Basil leaves (optional, for flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes:

• Wash the tomatoes thoroughly. To peel them easily, score an “X” at the bottom of each tomato and blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds. Transfer them immediately to an ice bath. The skins will loosen and peel off easily.

2. Blend the Tomatoes:

• Roughly chop the peeled tomatoes and place them in a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency.

3. Strain the Tomatoes:

• Pass the blended tomatoes through a fine sieve or food mill to remove the seeds and any remaining bits of skin. This will give you a smooth, thick tomato purée.

4. Season (Optional):

• You can add a pinch of salt for flavor and a few fresh basil leaves for aroma, but this step is optional.

5. Store the Passata:

• Pour the passata into sterilized jars or bottles. If you’re not using it immediately, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to six months.

How to Use Tomato Passata:

• Pasta Sauces: Use passata as a base for marinara or Bolognese sauces.
• Soups: Add passata to soups like minestrone or tomato soup for a rich tomato flavor.
• Pizza Sauce: Spread passata on pizza dough for a quick and fresh pizza sauce.
• Stews & Casseroles: Add to stews and casseroles for a tomato base without the need to cook down fresh tomatoes.

Customization Ideas:

• Herbs and Spices: Add herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary, and spices like garlic or chili flakes, depending on the dish you’re preparing.
• Roasted Tomato Passata: For deeper flavor, roast the tomatoes before blending to bring out a sweeter, richer taste.

Tomato Passata is a versatile, fresh, and easy-to-make ingredient that is essential in Italian cooking. Its smooth texture and fresh taste make it a go-to base for many savory dishes.