Learn how to make homemade Tomato Powder with our easy-to-follow recipe. With just a few simple steps to dehydrate tomatoes and turn them into dried tomato powder, using the dehydrator will give you an excellent pantry staple you have been missing. Need help figuring out where to use tomato powder? You are just about to find out.
Every time I make a fresh batch, I just envy the beautiful color I get from sprinkling it onto my dished. I use it on almost anything. Even if I do not need the flavor. This beautiful bright color makes every single dish more appetising.
Sprinkle on your homemade cheese popcorn and radish chips to enjoy your movie nights with a savory tomato flavor. You can also mix a pinch of tomato powder into the salad you are preparing or your guacamole for an umami kick that is perfect for the creaminess of avocado.
Enhance your lasagna bolognese and marinara pasta with a pinch of tomato taste. It is also perfect for topping tomato soup.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Strong Tomato Flavor – our tomato powder has the rich flavor of perfectly ripe tomatoes, which offers you the best and most authentic flavor of tomatoes without the hassle of having to store fresh ones.
- Perfect For Your Pantry Collection – this powder is one of the best spice additions at home. Mix it into sauces or use it as a base for soups and stews.
- Longer Shelf Life – if you do not want to waste your tomatoes sitting in the kitchen and rotting, this recipe is your solution. The tomato powder will last longer and maintain its natural flavor for a long time.
What Is Tomato Powder?
Tomato powder is a very convenient pantry staple that can be homemade or store-bought. It is usually made by blending dried tomatoes until they turn finely powdered and can be used as seasoning or garnish for different dishes. Sometimes, I also use it for making tomato sauce, tomato juice, and tomato paste.
Not many people use tomato powder, but it is an excellent ingredient for adding flavor to any recipe instead of liquid instant tomato sauces. This flavorful tomato powder can be used for a wide range of dishes, not only tomato recipes.
Ways To Use Tomato Powder
There are many ways to incorporate tomato powder into your dishes, but two common ways to use it for cooking are listed below.
Tomato Powder As Seasoning
This is an exciting way to use powdered tomato in any dish you want. With it as a seasoning or spice, you can use it for meat rub and marinades. Before roasting, sprinkle it freely onto your grilled seafood or vegetables, and add it to your homemade soups. You can experiment by adding it to your bread dough or topping your cooked cauliflower rice.
Tomato Powder As Tomato Paste
I know that tomato powder and tomato paste are two different things, but when it comes to cooking, you know that most tomato dishes or recipes require tomato paste. Tomato powder can be a great substitute, as a small amount can work like a can of tomato paste.
Making Tomato Sauce
Making tomato powder is as easy as making tomato sauce. You can do it most simply by placing a cup of tomato powder in a bowl and adding hot water. It will depend on your preference and how natural you want your tomato sauce to turn out.
Add more herbs and seasonings for an enhanced taste, and simmer in an instant pot. Think of the process as making tomato soup. Customize it however, you like it and enjoy. I like to blend it towards the end using a hand blender for an extra rich, thicker consistency.
How To Make Homemade Tomato Powder Recipe
Here is how you can use your tomatoes at home without wasting any of them. Follow these simple steps and start filling your kitchen pantry with powdered recipes for your dishes.
Kitchen Gadgets Needed:
- Dehydrator: Use this equipment to fully dry the tomatoes to get the same result as sun-drying them. It will help a lot in making the powder itself.
- Magic Bullet Blender: An essential and valuable tool to grind a fine powder from any fruit or vegetable you want.
- Tablespoon: Use it to ensure the powdered tomatoes are finely ground, and no tomato bits are left.
Ingredients Needed:
- Tomatoes: Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes. If you can get your hands on a mix of different varieties, it’s even better.
- Olive Oil: Place in a bottle spray and spray onto the dehydrator trays to prevent the tomato slices from sticking while they dry.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE TOMATO POWDER
First Step: Prepare Your Tomatoes
If your tomatoes are ready, ensure they are washed and cleaned before slicing them. You can use any type of tomato you want as long as they are fresh. Roma tomatoes are perfect, and even cherry tomatoes will do.
Use a sharp knife to slice the tomato pieces, including the tomato skins, into thin slices for that extra fiber.
Second Step: Dry The Tomatoes
Spray the dehydrator trays with olive oil and spread the tomato slices onto them, making sure all are single-layered for the best drying result. You can optionally use an oven for this process, but make sure to attach parchment paper to the baking sheet before placing the tomatoes to prevent sticking.
Set your dehydrator or oven to the lowest temperature and dehydrate the tomatoes for 5 to 7 hours. You can change the trays for uniform drying every 2 hours or less.
Third Step: Grind
Once the tomatoes are completely dried, let them cool for a few minutes and grind them into a fine powder. You can use any gadget for grinding, such as a coffee grinder, normal blender or food processor.
Fourth Step: Check The Powder
After making a fine powder out of your dried tomato pieces, check their fineness using a tablespoon if there are still tomato bits left. If they are perfectly blended, they are ready for use and storage.
TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Picking tomatoes – look for those plump, red, ripe tomatoes. Use different varieties such as Roma or San Marzano. I make my powder once a year to get the strongest flavor when my garden tomatoes are perfectly ripe.
- Dehydration time – keep a close eye on your dehydrator or oven. Over-drying can lead to a burned taste, and we do not want that because the goal is to have a crispy texture without losing the tomato’s natural sweetness.
- Cool – let the dehydrated tomatoes cool entirely before blending, as this prevents condensation, ensuring a finer powder instead of a clumpy mess.
- Slices – to ensure even drying, slice your tomatoes to a consistent thickness, preferably less than 1/4 inch.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Is It Possible To Turn Tomato Slices Into Tomato Paste?
Yes. With fresh and raw tomatoes, you can make whatever recipe you like. Turning your tomato slices into a paste requires cooking and simmering. You will need to choose what other ingredients or spices you would like to include, as the purpose of making a tomato paste is to transform your simple tomato into another level of product. You can even turn your paste into powder by dehydrating it instead of fresh tomatoes.
How Do I Store Dried Tomato Powder?
It is best to store tomato powder in an airtight glass container at room temperature in your pantry. The powder should last for 3 to 4 months.
Freezing tomato powder is unnecessary or recommended, as the moisture content may cause clumping and ruin the quality when thawed. As I mentioned above, I suggest storing the powder for long-term storage.
More Recipes From The Dehydrator
For more flavorful seasoning options beyond this tomato powder recipe, consider experimenting with different herbs and spices, such as chicken powder, garlic powder and onion powder. These versatile staples enhance savory dishes with their strong flavors.
Our mushroom powder adds a rich, umami taste, perfect for meats, soups, and stews. If you also need some sweet spices, try our cranberry powder and strawberry powder, bursting with rich, fruity flavor.
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Tomato Powder Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil Extra Virgin
- 2 Cups Tomatoes Sliced
Instructions
- If your tomatoes are ready, ensure they are washed and cleaned before slicing them. You can use any type of tomato you want as long as they are fresh. Roma tomatoes are perfect, and even cherry tomatoes will do. Use a sharp knife to slice the tomato pieces, including the tomato skins, into thin slices for that extra fiber.
- Spray the dehydrator trays with olive oil and spread the tomato slices onto them, making sure all are single-layered for the best drying result. You can optionally use an oven for this process, but make sure to attach parchment paper to the baking sheet before placing the tomatoes to prevent sticking. Set your dehydrator or oven to the lowest temperature and dehydrate the tomatoes for 5 to 7 hours. You can change the trays for uniform drying every 2 hours or less.
- Once the tomatoes are completely dried, let them cool for a few minutes and grind them into a fine powder. You can use any gadget for grinding, such as a coffee grinder, normal blender or food processor.
- After making a fine powder out of your dried tomato pieces, check their fineness using a tablespoon if there are still tomato bits left. If they are perfectly blended, they are ready for use and storage.
Video
Notes
- Picking tomatoes – look for those plump, red, ripe tomatoes. Use different varieties such as Roma or San Marzano. I make my powder once a year to get the strongest flavor when my garden tomatoes are perfectly ripe.
- Dehydration time – keep a close eye on your dehydrator or oven. Over-drying can lead to a burned taste, and we do not want that because the goal is to have a crispy texture without losing the tomato’s natural sweetness.
- Cool – let the dehydrated tomatoes cool entirely before blending, as this prevents condensation, ensuring a finer powder instead of a clumpy mess.
- Slices – to ensure even drying, slice your tomatoes to a consistent thickness, preferably less than 1/4 inch.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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Homemade Spices
If you are interested in filling up your pantry with best of the best, here it goes. To make your own spices and seasoning is something nobody can compare to a store bought bottles. You pick best produce, you know what goes in and you will get the freshest ever seasoning that will make your dishes full of flavors.
