Passata

Passata is a thick, velvety smooth purée made from sieved ripe tomatoes with the skins and seeds removed. Unlike tomato paste, it is not concentrated by prolonged cooking and retains a more natural, sweeter tomato flavour. In Italian cuisine, it serves as the base for pasta sauces, pizza, soups and stews. Commercially sold passata is typically pasteurised to ensure shelf life and is commonly found in glass bottles. It is loved for its simplicity, just heat it with garlic, olive oil and herbs for a quick sauce. Homemade passata is prepared by blanching, peeling and pressing fresh tomatoes through a fine sieve.