Tomato paste may look humble, but it's one of the most powerful flavor-building ingredients you can keep in your kitchen. A spoonful can deepen a soup, enrich a sauce, or transform a weeknight skillet ...

We’re not going to beat around the bush here: Tomato paste is kind of weird. The putty-like tomato gloop looks like something you’d find in a hobby shop or the dental care aisle of your drug store.

Chances are, if you look in your pantry right now, you'll find a jar or can of a deep ruby red ingredient laying in wait. It's tomato paste, and secretly it can completely transform your cooking life.

Tomato paste tubes stay fresh for weeks thanks to an airtight cap. Tubes let you squeeze small amounts, helping reduce food waste. Canned paste is more economical for recipes that use larger amounts.