Tomate frito

Tomate frito (Spanish for fried tomato) is a pureed tomato sauce with a hint of onion and garlic, that can be used as a base ingredient or enjoyed simply for its own flavour. It is distinct from most tomato sauces because the tomatoes have been fried, and its ingredients include a small amount of vegetable oil.^[1]

It is the most common tomato ingredient of Spanish cuisine other than fresh tomatoes, and is sold under many brand names. When made by first low frying garlic and onion pieces in oil with spices and then adding the tomato puree it is known as sofrito.

Heinz Tomato Frito was popularised in the United Kingdom as a short-cut ingredient by the cook Delia Smith, extolling it in books and her website recipes.^[2]

References

1. Fabricant, Florence (February 7, 2007). "FOOD STUFF; Tomatoes From Spain To Brighten Winter". The New York Times.
2. "A Short-cut Chicken Cacciatora". DeliaOnline. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 9 January 2014.