10 Ways to Thicken Tomato Sauce Without Paste

Do you find yourself craving a rich and velvety tomato sauce, but don’t have any tomato paste on hand?

Don’t worry!

We’ve got you covered with 10 ingenious ways to thicken your tomato sauce without using paste.

From cornstarch to breadcrumbs, flour slurry to simmering and reducing, this article will guide you through the art of achieving a luscious and hearty tomato sauce that will leave you wanting more.

Get ready to elevate your cooking skills and satisfy your taste buds like never before!

Use Cornstarch

You can thicken your tomato sauce by using cornstarch instead of paste. Cornstarch is a versatile ingredient that can be used as a thickening agent in various recipes, including tomato sauce.

To thicken your sauce with cornstarch, start by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of water to create a slurry. Then, slowly add the slurry to your simmering tomato sauce, stirring constantly. As the sauce heats up, the cornstarch will activate and thicken the sauce.

Keep in mind that cornstarch thickens quickly, so you should add it gradually and adjust as needed. The result will be a silky and rich tomato sauce that is perfect for pasta, meatballs, or any other dish you desire.

Add a Roux

To add thickness to your tomato sauce, try incorporating a roux into the mixture. A roux is made by cooking equal parts of flour and fat, like butter or oil, together until it forms a smooth paste.

This paste acts as a thickening agent when added to sauces. Start by melting the fat in a saucepan over medium heat, then gradually whisk in the flour until it becomes a golden brown color.

Next, slowly pour in your tomato sauce while continuously whisking to prevent any lumps from forming. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness.

The roux not only adds thickness, but also imparts a rich, velvety texture to your tomato sauce. Give it a try and elevate your sauce game!

Incorporate Bread Crumbs

Incorporating bread crumbs into your tomato sauce can add a delightful crunch and texture. It’s a simple and clever way to thicken your sauce without using paste.

Start by toasting some bread and allowing it to cool. Then, place the toasted bread in a food processor or blender and pulse until you have fine crumbs.

Next, add the bread crumbs to your simmering tomato sauce, stirring well to ensure they are evenly distributed. As the sauce cooks, the bread crumbs will absorb some of the liquid, thickening the sauce while also adding a subtle hint of flavor.

The result is a rich and velvety sauce with a subtle crunch that will elevate your pasta dishes to a whole new level.

Make a Slurry With Flour

Using flour to make a slurry is a simple and effective way to thicken your sauce.

To start, whisk together equal parts flour and water in a small bowl until it forms a smooth paste.

Then, slowly pour the slurry into your simmering sauce while stirring continuously. The flour will help to thicken the sauce and give it a smooth texture.

Be sure to incorporate the slurry gradually to avoid clumps. As the sauce cooks, the flour will break down and blend with the other ingredients, resulting in a thicker consistency.

Remember to adjust the amount of flour according to your desired thickness. This method is a great alternative to using tomato paste and allows you to control the thickness of your sauce to suit your taste.

Simmer and Reduce

As you simmer your sauce, it will gradually reduce and thicken, resulting in a more concentrated flavor. The process of simmering allows the sauce to gently bubble and evaporate, causing the water content to decrease.

As a result, the flavors become more intense and the sauce thickens naturally. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The longer you simmer, the thicker the sauce will become.

This method is particularly useful if you want a thicker consistency without using any additional ingredients. It’s a simple and effective way to enhance the flavors of your sauce and achieve the desired thickness.

Blend in Cooked Rice

Once the rice is cooked, you can easily blend it into the sauce for added texture and flavor. This method works well if you want to thicken your tomato sauce without using paste.

Simply cook the rice according to the package instructions until it is soft and tender. Then, transfer the cooked rice to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Next, slowly add the blended rice into the tomato sauce, stirring constantly to incorporate it evenly. The rice will not only thicken the sauce but also provide a creamy and velvety consistency. Additionally, it will enhance the flavor of the sauce, giving it a subtle nuttiness.