Tomato Magic

from The Food of Morocco by Paula Wolfert, p. 41

Makes 1 1/2 cups

This is an alternative to tomato paste

Ingredients:

  • 6 to 8 oz jar sud-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil
  • 28 oz can organic tomatoes, preferably Muir Glen fir-roasted tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients except extra oil, including the packing oil and juices in a blender.  Add 2 Tbsp water.  Puree until smooth.
  2. Scrape the puree into a wide heavy-bottommed saucepan, set over medium-low heat, ad cook, stirring often, until reduced to a thick jam, about 30 minutes.
Storage
For up to 1 month in refrigerator: Scrape some of te tomato paste intoa clean, dry jar for more immediate use.  Cover iwth 1/4 inch of olive oil, close the jar, and store in the refrigerator.
For up to 1 year in the freezer: Divide the paste into 1 or 2 Tbsp  balls and place them side by side ona flat tray.  Set in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes, unil firm.  Then, place in a freezer bag and store in the freezer.