A Tomato, Garlic, and Herb Paste

Name: A Tomato, Garlic, and Herb Paste
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: European, Mediterranean
Ingredients: fresh Roma or cherry tomatoes (halved) or one 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes.; 6–8 garlic cloves, minced or smashed.; extra virgin olive oil.; each of fresh basil, oregano, and thyme (or 1–2 tsp dried mixed herbs).; Salt; Pepper; pinch of sugar (to balance acidity); tomato purée (for depth)

2 steps

Cook:4h

Creating a tomato, garlic, and herb paste (often used as a concentrated base for sauces or spreads) typically involves slow-roasting or simmering ingredients until they reach a thick, spreadable consistency.

Updated at: Sat, 27 Dec 2025 00:14:31 GMT

Nutrition balance score

Good

Glycemic Index

Low

Glycemic Load

Low

Nutrition per serving

Calories52.4 kcal (3%)

Total Fat3.7 g (5%)

Carbs4.7 g (2%)

Sugars1.4 g (2%)

Protein0.8 g (2%)

Sodium199.8 mg (10%)

Fiber1 g (4%)

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Ingredients

4 servings

fresh Roma tomatoes

or cherry, halved, or one 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes

6garlic cloves

minced or smashed

extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Step 1

Option 1: Roasted Paste (Deepest Flavour) Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange tomato halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Season: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs. Place a garlic clove on or near each tomato. Roast: Bake for 3–4 hours until tomatoes are collapsed and concentrated. Blend: Transfer the roasted mixture to a food processor and pulse until a thick, chunky paste forms.

Step 2

Option 2: Stovetop Reduction (Faster) Sauté: Heat olive oil in a pan. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Simmer: Add tomatoes, tomato purée, herbs, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Reduce: Simmer uncovered for 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is a thick, rich paste. Finish: Season with extra salt and pepper to taste.