How do you dilute too much tomato paste in a recipe?

You can't really "dilute" tomato paste, because it's already a very concentrated form of tomato. However, you can adjust the recipe to compensate for using too much:

1. Add More Liquid:

* Water: The most straightforward way is to add some water to your recipe. This will help thin out the tomato paste and make it less intense. Start with a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) and taste as you go.

* Broth: If your recipe calls for broth, add a little extra. This will add flavor and help balance out the intensity of the tomato paste.

* Other Ingredients: Some recipes might call for additional ingredients that can help dilute the tomato paste's intensity, like vinegar, sugar, or even a bit of cream.

2. Adjust the Cooking Time:

* Longer Cooking: Cooking the tomato paste for a longer time will help break down the flavor and make it less concentrated.

* High Heat: Cooking the tomato paste at a high heat for a short amount of time can also help mellow out the flavor.

3. Use a Different Base:

* Tomato Sauce: If your recipe allows for it, you can replace some of the tomato paste with tomato sauce. This will help dilute the flavor and add more volume.

* Pureed Tomatoes: Similar to tomato sauce, you can use pureed tomatoes to dilute the tomato paste and add a more subtle tomato flavor.

4. Start Over (If Possible):

If you have a lot of extra tomato paste, and the recipe is salvageable, you might be better off starting with a fresh batch.

Remember: It's better to add ingredients gradually and taste as you go. This way you can adjust the flavor to your liking and avoid over-diluting the recipe.