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If you are vegetarian or vegan and visiting Spain one product to add to your ‘must have’ list is Tomate Frito. This is a tomato based product which can be used as a sauce, condiment and ingredient, hot and cold in a wide variety of dishes – plus it is both vegan and vegetarian 🙂 Use it to create a quick pasta dish, to give an added boost to a picnic, splash over barbeque veggies…
Read on to learn more about this handy vegetarian food in Spain.
What is Tomate Frito?
“Tomate frito” translates literally to ‘fried tomato’ and is one of the most common and beloved products in Spanish cuisine. It is a cooked tomato sauce made primarily from tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and often a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Its simplicity and versatility make it a staple in nearly every Spanish household. This is widely available throughout Spain in almost every supermarket and food store, typically sold in cans, jars and ‘bricks’ (tetrapaks).
Tomate frito may seem similar to ketchup to foreign visitors, is actually very different in both flavor and use.
Ingredients in “Tomate Frito”
“Tomate frito” typically contains:
- Ripe tomatoes (pureed or crushed).
- Olive oil.
- Salt.
- Sugar (in small amounts, depending on the brand).
Unlike other tomato-based sauces, such as ketchup, “tomate frito” does not include vinegar or sweet spices like cinnamon or cloves. This makes it less sweet and much more versatile in savory dishes. Additionally, “tomate frito” in Spain is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, as it contains no animal products.
How To Buy “Tomate Frito” in Spain?
“Tomate frito” is available in every supermarket in Spain and comes in various formats:
- Glass jars or cans: Ideal for those who prefer a more homemade texture.
- Tetra Briks: Easy to store and perfect for daily use.
- Homemade or gourmet versions: With additional ingredients like onion, garlic, or peppers.
Brands such as Solís, Orlando, and Hida are some of the most popular in Spain. You will also find the virtually every supermarket has their own brand version. There are also organic and sugar-free options for those seeking healthier alternatives.
Tomate Frito Shopping Tip – look for multipacks!
Multiple packs of tomate frito cartons are very common and extremely handy. As they are a smallish size, there won’t be too much in the way of leftovers meaning you don’t need to worry about refrigeration or waste.
Differences Between “Tomate Frito” and Ketchup
Tomate frito is not ketchup!!!
Although they might look similar, “tomate frito” and ketchup are very different products:
- Flavor: “Tomate frito” has a milder, more natural flavor, while ketchup is sweeter and tangier due to the vinegar.
- Texture: “Tomate frito” is more fluid and smooth, ideal for cooking. Ketchup is thicker and stickier, designed as a condiment.
- Use: “Tomate frito” is typically a cooking ingredient used in recipes, whereas ketchup is mainly used as a side sauce. However, tomato frito works very well as a condiment but is not a sweet as ketchup.
Uses of “Tomate Frito” in Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes
“Tomate frito” is a key ingredient in many traditional Spanish recipes and is perfect for vegetarian and vegan dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Pasta sauces: Mix “tomate frito” with garlic, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for a quick and delicious sauce.
- Stews and casseroles: Add it to legume stews like chickpeas or lentils to enhance the flavor.
- Pizza base: Use it as a base for homemade pizzas, adding your favorite toppings like roasted vegetables or vegan cheese.
- Pisto: A Spanish classic, pisto is a vegetable medley (zucchini, eggplant, peppers) cooked with “tomate frito.”
- Rice dishes and paellas: Add a spoonful of “tomate frito” to the sofrito of a vegetable paella or baked rice for extra depth of flavor.
Why is Tomato an Essential Product For Vegetarians in Spain?
“Tomate frito” is an essential food for vegetarians cooking in Spain for several reasons:
- Versatility: It can be used in a wide variety of recipes.
- Convenience: It is quick and easy to use, saving time when cooking.
- Flavor: It adds a rich, homemade taste to dishes.
Add tomate frito to your shopping list for your first supermarket visit when visiting Spain – you will not be disappointed!
