Mastering Flavor: Garlic & Tomato Base
A fundamental culinary building block, this simple yet potent garlic and tomato paste flavor base adds depth and richness to a wide array of dishes, from sauces to stews.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to deepen in color and caramelize slightly, which enhances its flavor. Stir constantly to prevent sticking.
- This flavorful base is now ready to be incorporated into your desired recipe, such as a pasta sauce, stew, or soup.
Notes
Use a good quality, concentrated tomato paste for the best flavor. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. This base can be scaled up and frozen for future use. For an added layer of flavor, a splash of red wine can be used to deglaze the pan after the tomato paste has caramelized, before adding other liquids.