Yes, tomato purée can be stored in ice cube trays for single-use portions. This is a convenient way to preserve it and have small amounts readily available for cooking.
Storing tomato purée in ice cube trays is a great method for portion control and preventing waste. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the Purée: Ensure your tomato purée is ready for freezing. If you've opened a can or jar, transfer the unused portion to a clean container.
Fill the Ice Cube Tray: Spoon the tomato purée into each compartment of a clean ice cube tray. Fill each cube to the top, but avoid overfilling to prevent spills when freezing.
Freeze: Place the ice cube tray in the freezer on a level surface. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until the purée is completely solid.
Transfer to a Freezer Bag: Once frozen, pop the tomato purée cubes out of the tray and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date and contents.
Store: Store the freezer bag in the freezer. Frozen tomato purée can last for several months (typically 2-3 months) without significant loss of quality.
Use: When you need a small amount of tomato purée, simply take out the required number of cubes and add them directly to your cooking. They will thaw quickly.
To make it easier to remove the frozen cubes, lightly grease the ice cube tray with cooking oil spray before filling it with tomato purée. This will prevent the purée from sticking to the tray.