Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated tomato product used frequently in cooking and baking. It adds rich, deep tomato flavor and color to soups, stews, sauces, and more. Tomato paste comes canned in several sizes, with the small 6 ounce can being the most common. However, recipes will often call for tomato paste in milliliters (ml) instead of ounces. This can make it tricky to know exactly how much you need if you only have cans available. In this article, we will look at how to convert 156 ml of tomato paste into ounces. We will also discuss general tips for substituting tomato paste amounts in recipes.
Converting 156 ml to Ounces
When converting between milliliters and ounces, there are a few steps involved:
1. Know that 1 milliliter (ml) = 0.033814 ounces
2. Set up your conversion:
156 ml tomato paste x (0.033814 oz/1 ml)
3. Solve:
156 ml tomato paste x (0.033814 oz/1 ml) = 5.27 oz tomato paste
Therefore, 156 ml of tomato paste is approximately 5.27 ounces. To summarize:
156 ml tomato paste = 5.27 oz tomato paste
To make conversions like this easy, it can help to use a cooking conversion calculator or chart. There are many free digital and printable versions available online.
Tips for Substituting Tomato Paste
When a recipe calls for tomato paste by volume (milliliters or teaspoons), but you only have cans available in ounces, here are some tips:
– Round the ounce measurement to the nearest whole number. For example, round 5.27 ounces to 5 ounces. The small difference will not significantly affect most recipes.
– If rounding down, you may want to slightly increase another tomatoey ingredient like tomatoes or tomato sauce to compensate.
– Try diluting the thicker tomato paste amount with a bit of water. For example, if a recipe calls for 5 ml tomato paste but you only have a 6 ounce can, use 1 teaspoon (5 ml) and dilute it with 1-2 teaspoons water.
– Know that a 6 ounce can of tomato paste equals approximately 1/4 cup or 4 tablespoons. Use measuring spoons to approximate the right amount.
– Look for freezer-friendly tomato paste tubes or pre-portioned tomato paste cubes for smaller recipe amounts.
– In a pinch, substitute tomato sauce or canned tomato puree reduced over medium heat into a thicker paste.
Tomato Paste Can Sizes
Beyond the common 6 ounce tomato paste can, it can also be purchased in several other sizes:
– 2 ounce can or tube
– 4 ounce can
– 8 ounce can
– 12 ounce can
– 28 ounce can
– 1.28 ounce tube ( Concentrated tomato paste)
Here is an overview of ounce amounts in different tomato paste can sizes:
| Can Size | Ounces |
|---|---|
| 2 ounce | 2 ounces |
| 4 ounce | 4 ounces |
| 6 ounce (common can) | 6 ounces |
| 8 ounce | 8 ounces |
| 12 ounce | 12 ounces |
| 28 ounce | 28 ounces |
| 1.28 ounce tube | 1.28 ounces |
As shown, the standard 6 ounce can holds approximately 6 ounces by weight of tomato paste.
Using Tomato Paste from a Can
When cooking with canned tomato paste, there are some useful tips to get the most use out of it:
– Transfer any unused tomato paste to an airtight container and store in the fridge up to 1 week or freezer for several months.
– Make sure to scrape out all of the paste from the can – often a thin layer sticks to the sides. Use a small rubber spatula to get every last bit.
– To easily measure out small amounts, keep a can of tomato paste in the fridge and scoop out spoonfuls as needed.
– Add a bit of oil to the surface before storing to prevent a skin from forming.
– If a recipe calls for tomato paste to be cooked for awhile, use half the amount of fresh paste and half tomato sauce instead. The sauce will prevent the paste from burning.
– Saute aromatics like garlic and onions in oil first before adding tomato paste to cook. This enhances the flavor.
– To thicken sauce, stew or soup, whisk a bit of tomato paste into a small amount of hot liquid before adding to the full pot. This prevents clumping.
Getting the most out of each can of tomato paste comes down to proper storage and measuring. Follow these tips to avoid waste!
Shelf Life of Tomato Paste
How long does tomato paste last after opening? Here is an overview of tomato paste shelf life:
– Unopened can/tube: Up to 18 months
– Refrigerator: 5-7 days
– Freezer: 4-6 months
Proper storage is key for maximizing freshness. An opened can of tomato paste should be transferred to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag before refrigerating. It’s also best to store tomato paste cans in a cool, dark pantry away from heat sources like the stove.
Check tomato paste for signs of spoilage before use, including an off smell, texture, or appearance. Discard if mold develops.
For optimal freshness and flavor, try to use refrigerated tomato paste within a week and frozen within 6 months. Properly stored, unopened canned tomato paste has a shelf life up to 18 months.
Nutrition Facts of Tomato Paste
In addition to concentrated tomato flavor, tomato paste packs significant nutrition benefits. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a 1/4 cup serving (64 grams) of canned tomato paste:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 54 |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Sodium | 373 mg |
| Vitamin A | 42% DV |
| Vitamin C | 24% DV |
| Potassium | 17% DV |
Tomato paste is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants like lycopene. It provides key micronutrients while adding minimal calories, fat and sodium. Along with its concentrated flavor, the nutrition profile makes tomato paste a healthy pantry staple.
Uses for Tomato Paste
Tomato paste is a versatile ingredient used in many recipes across cuisines. Here are some of the most popular uses for tomato paste:
Soups & Stews
Add a tablespoon or two of tomato paste to broth-based soups like minestrone, tomato soup, lentil and split pea to add rich color and boost the tomato flavor. It’s also great for thickening the broth.
Pasta Sauce
Stir a few tablespoons of tomato paste into simmering marinara sauce and let cook for 5 minutes to intensify the flavor. Goes great in bolognese, alfredo and vodka sauce too.
Chili
Mix a spoonful of tomato paste into the pot when making beef, turkey or vegetarian chili. It adds extra tomato richness.
Curries
Add a teaspoon or two when making curries like butter chicken or vegetable curries. It provides color and seasoning.
Gravy & Sauces
Whisk tomato paste into the roux when making gravy to give it a boost of color and flavor. Also works for cheese sauce for cauliflower or mac and cheese.
Casseroles
Stir a tablespoon or two of tomato paste into the sauce or layer it between ingredients like zucchini, meat, pasta and rice to infuse tomato flavor throughout casseroles.
Roasted Vegetables
Toss chopped vegetables with a bit of tomato paste and oil before roasting. It enhances flavor and browning.
Tomato paste is a versatile pantry staple that can be added to dishes across the menu. Keep a few cans on hand for an easy flavor boost anytime!
Homemade Tomato Paste
While convenient, canned tomato paste can sometimes contain added salt, sugar, and preservatives. For a fresher, healthier option, try making homemade tomato paste:
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs fresh ripe tomatoes
– 1 small onion, quartered
– 2 garlic cloves
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Pinch of salt
– Basil or oregano (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt and herbs if using on a baking sheet.
2. Roast for 45 mins, until tomatoes are softened.
3. Remove skins from tomatoes. Blend roasted tomatoes and juices in a food processor or blender until smooth.
4. Transfer mixture to a small saucepan over medium heat.
5. Simmer uncovered, stirring frequently for 45-60 mins until reduced by half or more.
6. Remove from heat and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 1 week or freezer up to 6 months.
Making your own tomato paste allows you to control the ingredients. Play around with different herb and spice additions to customize the flavor.
Tomato Paste Substitutes
Don’t have any tomato paste on hand? Here are some easy substitutions to use in recipes calling for tomato paste:
– Tomato sauce – Use an equal amount. Reduce over heat to thicken to a paste texture if needed.
– Canned tomato puree – Substitute an equal amount. Puree has a thinner consistency than paste.
– Tomato ketchup or chili sauce – Replace tomato paste 1:1 with these condiments.
– Mashed fresh tomato – Mash 1 large fresh tomato to equal 6 ounces tomato paste.
– Soy sauce or miso paste – For umami flavor, use 1 teaspoon per tablespoon tomato paste.
– Beetroot puree – Replace tomato paste 1:1 for color rather than flavor.
– Dry tomatoes – Use dry tomatoes rehydrated in water to form a thick paste for a concentrated flavor.
Many common pantry items can be used creatively in place of tomato paste called for in recipes. Adjust consistency as needed by reducing over heat or simmering uncovered.
How to Store Tomato Paste
To maintain freshness and shelf life of either canned or homemade tomato paste, proper storage is key:
– Pantry – Store unopened cans in a cool, dry pantry away from heat and light. Avoid temperature extremes.
– Refrigerator – Keep opened tomato paste cans and homemade tomato paste in an airtight container in the fridge. Use within 5-7 days.
– Freezer – For long term storage, freeze tomato paste in freezer bags or airtight containers up to 6 months.
– Storage Tips – Minimize air exposure, label and date containers, and use oldest tomato paste first when grabbing from the fridge or freezer.
Following these tomato paste storage guidelines will maintain optimum freshness and prevent waste. Use refrigerated or frozen tomato paste within the recommended time frames for best quality.
Conclusion
156 ml of tomato paste equals approximately 5.27 ounces in weight. When converting between milliliters and ounces, remember that 1 ml equals 0.033814 oz. For convenience, you can round to the nearest whole ounce or tablespoon when substituting tomato paste amounts in recipes. Proper storage, either at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen, ensures tomato paste stays fresh as long as possible. Homemade tomato paste can also be prepared for a fresher alternative to canned. Tomato paste is a nutritious, versatile ingredient that adds concentrated tomato flavor and color to many savory dishes. Keep a few cans or tubes on hand for an easy flavor boost anytime.
