Concentrated merchandise, whether or not soups, pastes, or powders, are a few of my favourite elements to work with. Once you’re aware of their scope and power, you’ll be able to dilute them as little or as a lot as you need. In the case of tomato paste, you’ll be able to create soup, sauce, or cocktails, all with none extra tomato merchandise, however you may also use it as an intensely flavored accent for a grilled cheese sandwich.
Tomatoes and cheese are a dedicated couple. You’ll discover them hanging out on pizza, in caprese salads, and in bowls of pasta, however there’s something uniquely homey and comforting a few easy tomato soup and buttery grilled cheese sandwich. The tangy tomato and gooey cheese compete for dominance, so nobody taste lingers too lengthy on the tongue, which is what retains you going again for extra. I don’t at all times have tomato soup mendacity round, however I’m by no means and not using a can of tomato paste.
I might use the paste to make a soup, however I might additionally simply smear it on my sandwich. I’ve smeared tomato paste on the within of a grilled cheese sandwich and I’ve smeared it on the skin of a grilled cheese sandwich, and each have their deserves.
Smear tomato paste on the skin of your grilled cheese for a pillowy, melty deal with
You know that a part of the pizza the place the crust meets the interior portion of the pie? It’s darkish purple, nearly burnt, however gentle and candy. That is the flavour and texture you get while you unfold tomato paste on the skin of your sandwich. The paste caramelizes—and can burn if you happen to’re not cautious—and the surplus moisture steams, somewhat than fries, the bread, making a gentle chew with a skinny, tomato-y layer that’s not robust sufficient to be known as a “crust,” although it does provide the slightest little bit of resistance when bitten.
Start by spreading a teaspoon of paste on the “outside” of every piece of bread. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a nonstick pan over medium-low warmth and add the primary piece of bread, paste facet down. Add a pair slices of your favourite melting cheese—I like white American, however shredded mozzarella could be enjoyable—and place the second piece of bread, paste facet up, on high of the cheese.
Keep a really shut eye on this sandwich, peaking beneath it each minute or so till you begin seeing little burnt spots. Lift the sandwich out of the pan, add just a little extra butter, then flip it again into the pan and prepare dinner till the paste darkens and the cheese is absolutely melted. Consume instantly.
Smear tomato paste inside your grilled cheese to maximise taste and crispiness
Spreading tomato paste on the skin of your grilled cheese creates a sandwich with a specific amount of caprice, however the bread turns into pillowy and tender, and a few individuals can’t eat a sandwich until it makes that “ccccchhhhh” sound while you run a knife throughout the highest. (Such is the affect of TikTok.)
If you’re the latter, don’t despair: You can nonetheless get pleasure from this streamlined deal with. Start by including two tablespoons of paste to a nonstick pan, together with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook over medium warmth till the paste darkens and shade or two, then unfold it on the within of 1 slice of sandwich bread. Build and grill your grilled cheese nevertheless you often would. For me, this implies a number of butter, and no mayo. (I really like mayo in nearly each software, however a grilled cheese sandwich is just not one among them.)
You’ll get a grilled cheese sandwich with a crispy, buttery outdoors, and gooey and melted on the within, with a layer of tangy, caramelized tomato taste that’s paying homage to tomato soup, with none dunking. Though you’ll be able to actually dunk if you happen to please. There is nothing fallacious with doubling up on tomato.