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Top tip: how to get absolutely everything out of your can of tomato paste

Tomatenpureeblikje openen

Do you also always struggle with your can of tomato paste? Because you just never manage to get that last little bit out easily? I usually use the back of a small teaspoon to scrape out the last remnants. But I’m never completely satisfied. As of today, my troubles are a thing of the past: I’ve found the trick that helps you get the most out of your can of tomato paste. So simple and so effective!

Foto van culinair journalist Jeske van Steen

Yes, tomato paste is of course at its best when you make it yourself. But you simply don’t always have the time. And a can costs less than fifty cents, so it won’t make you go bankrupt (but don’t be fooled: the price has doubled in a few years!). So it’s perfectly understandable that your kitchen drawer is full of cans of tomato paste. Mine is too.

How to get everything out of your can of tomato paste

That kitchen drawer is mainly full because you use tomato paste in an incredible number of dishes. Bolognese sauce, curry, shakshuka, homemade soups, stews; you name it, and you’ll probably need a can of tomato paste for it.

How do you get absolutely everything out of your can of tomato paste? Start by opening the bottom of the can with a can opener. So don’t pull the tab on the lid first; go straight for the bottom. (Not literally.) Note: leave the bottom in place for a moment once it comes loose. Then turn the can upside down and pull the lid, including the tab, all the way off. The top is now open. Next, turn the can upside down again, take a small spoon, and use the handle to push the loose bottom all the way through the can. The edges of the loose bottom scrape along the inside of the can, bringing all the tomato paste out. That’s all there is to it. Thanks to Tomas Breemen from @handigetips_, who shared this amazing tip with us.

How to store leftover tomato paste

The thing about a can of tomato paste is that you don’t always need all of it. Many recipes, for example, call for a teaspoon or tablespoon of tomato paste. Our tip: store your leftover tomato paste in an airtight, resealable container. The smaller the container, the better; that way, as little air as possible gets in. In any case, don’t leave the leftover tomato paste in the can. The metal of the can can react with the paste, which affects the flavor. An opened can also never be sealed completely properly, increasing the risk of mold forming.

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