How to store a half a can of tomato paste?

[politicat]

When I make pizza, I use half a can of tomato paste with some fresh tomatoes to make my sauce. Same with french salad dressing. And some indian food. and and and...

It doesn't freeze worth a damn. It gets crusty in a sealed container in the fridge - container's too big, I guess.

So what to do with the stuff?

[SoCalDem]

1. half of a 6 oz can of tomato paste isn't worth bothering with

how about tossing it with some vinegar, olive oil and some oregano and calling it salad dressing:) or just toss it in the trash NOW instead of after a few days chillin' in the fridge :P

[politicat]

4. But but but throwing it away is wasteful!!!!

Gah, I am such a freak.

I guess I just need to get to the point of making 2 things at once that call for half a can. But that would require forethought and a functioning brain, two things in short supply in this house right now.

[NMDemDist2]

5. lol, just make dressing at the same time! what's better with pizza

than a nice green salad?

[Warpy]

6. I always have to put it into a baby food jar

and let it mellow in the fridge for 2 weeks before I toss it.

[babylonsister]

12. LOL! That's what I do! "EWW, how old IS that?" nt

[grasswire]

2. you could put it in chili or pasta sauce

....or a soup of some kind.

[NMDemDist2]

3. sounds like you'd be better off buying it in tubes rather than cans

don't know if it's not cheaper to just toss the leftovers though, after pricing the tubes online

[SoCalDem]

7. recipe for next time you spring for thet 50cent can o' paste

1 1/4 cups Water
1/2 cup Vinegar, white
3 oz Tomato Paste
1/2 clove Garlic, large
1/2 Tbsp. Oregano, dried
1/2 Tbsp. Basil, dried
1 Tbsp. Dill Weed, dried

salad dressing for your salad:)..store in a jar for a good long time..shake shake shake..serve

[Tab]

8. For a few weeks

put it in the fridge with a wrapper over it.

Beyond that, what'd it cost, 59 cents? I wouldn't bother with life support myself, but I guess that's your call as to whether or not tossing it offends your sensibilities...

[Stinky The Clown]

9. Right here ......

[SW FL Dem]

10. I hate to admit it, but I toss it if there is half a can left

[Qanisqineq]

11. I've always heard to freeze it

But I've never tried it and you say it doesn't freeze well. That's too bad because I happened upon this one day and thought I'd try it:

http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel1058&contentGroup=MSL&site=living

[Wordie]

13. I found these teeny, tiny plastic containers...

and if I put the left over tomato paste in one, and rap it against the countertop so it sort of flattens out, and then cover it with a film of olive oil, it freezes just fine.

[calico1]

14. I do that with mine. Also, I put

some foil or plastic on top before putting the lid on. It freezes fine.

[eyesroll]

15. Hm...maybe make a butter chicken paste?

Per your recipe:
2 TB garlic paste,
1 TB ginger paste
1 T garam masala
4 TB tomato paste,
1 TB honey
1 tsp chili powder or hot curry powder
3 TB butter
3 chopped green chiles

I'd imagine that might keep for awhile -- until the butter expires, anyway, and it'll take up more space in the container.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

16. I saw this on a cooking show - it works great and I've done it ever since

Most of the time when I use tomato paste, I just need tablespoon or so. So, you take your leftover paste - put a dollop on a piece of plastic wrap, wrap it securely, and pop it into the freezer. I usually have at least four frozen dollops left over from a can of paste. The next time I need a little paste, I go into the freezer, and voila, I have exactly the amount I need. I usually don't even thaw it - just plop it right into my stew, pot roast, whatever. You will never waste tomato paste again!

[NMDemDist2]

17. excellent suggestion! thanks! n/t