If you’re in the middle of cooking and realize you’re out of tomato paste, don’t worry; there are several substitutes that can save your recipe. The best tomato paste substitutes include canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, fresh tomatoes, red bell pepper paste, and even a combination of tomato juice and cornstarch for thickening.

Canned tomatoes can be a great substitute. Just blend a can of whole or diced tomatoes until smooth and cook down to reduce the moisture content. One cup of canned tomatoes will cook down to about 1/3 cup of a paste-like consistency; this makes a suitable replacement for 6 ounces of tomato paste.

Tomato sauce is another convenient option if you have it on hand. Use one cup of tomato sauce and reduce it over low heat until it reaches the desired thickness. Bear in mind that this may not provide the concentrated flavor that tomato paste offers, but it’s still a good fallback.

Ketchup might sound unconventional, but in a pinch, it shares a similar tomato base and sweetness. Use one tablespoon of ketchup for every tablespoon of tomato paste needed. It’s best used for small amounts due to its sweetness and added sugars.

Fresh tomatoes are excellent when they’re in season. To make your own paste, peel and seed about 10 medium-sized tomatoes. Dice them up and cook over low heat until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is thick.

Red bell pepper paste can work in scenarios where the dish can handle an additional sweet pepper flavor. Roast red bell peppers, remove the skins, blend into a puree, then simmer until thickened to replicate the consistency of tomato paste.

For those looking to imitate both the texture and flavor without any actual tomatoes, a mix of one part tomato juice with one part cornstarch can serve as a thickening agent in recipes.

Remember that while these substitutes may alter the taste slightly, they all provide a similar color and texture that could save your recipe in absence of actual tomato paste. Always consider adjusting quantities based on your particular dish to maintain flavor balance.