Tomato sauce powder is a fantastic way to add rich, savory flavor to your meals without the bulk or mess of carrying heavy cans or bottles. Lightweight and compact, it makes an excellent base for many backpacking dishes like pasta, pizza, soups, and stews.
How to make tomato sauce powder
To start, you can either buy a jar of good-quality tomato sauce from the grocery store or make your own from scratch. Below is my favorite homemade tomato sauce recipe that’s both delicious and super-easy to prepare.
You’ll need:
1 tsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
1 can (800g/280z) diced tomatoes
Salt
Sugar
Pepper, freshly ground
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried marjoram
Method:
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a saucepan and add the onions and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Step 2
Add the diced tomatoes and bring to a boil. Season the mixture to taste with salt, sugar, and freshly ground pepper. Add the dried herbs and stir well. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3
Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool.
Step 4
Next, pour the tomato sauce onto dehydrator trays lined with parchment paper or non-stick sheets. Spread the sauce evenly, aiming for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. This will help it dehydrate evenly.
Step 5
Set your dehydrator to 125°F (52°C). Let the sauce dry for 8–10 hours, or until it’s completely brittle. The drying time can vary depending on your dehydrator and the humidity, so check it periodically to make sure it’s drying properly.
Step 6
Once tomato sauce is fully dehydrated, break it into small pieces. Then, use a coffee grinder or food processor to grind the pieces into a fine powder. You’ll want to make sure the powder has a smooth and consistent texture for easy rehydration later on. Grinding it into a fine powder will also make it easier to store and use while on the trail.
Storage
After grinding the tomato sauce into powder, transfer it into an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dry, and dark place to keep it fresh. If you’ve made a large batch, you may want to seal it in smaller portions for convenience. This way, you can easily grab just what you need for each meal.
How to Use Tomato Sauce Powder
Now that you have your homemade tomato sauce powder, there are a few ways to use it on the trail:
- To Make Sauce: Mix 1 part tomato powder with 2–3 parts water. Stir until it reaches your desired consistency. Add more water for a thinner sauce or less for a thicker one.
- As a Seasoning: Sprinkle the powder over pasta, rice, or popcorn. You can also add it to soups, stews, or any dish that could use a boost of tomato flavor.
Recipes Using Tomato Powder
Here are some delicious dehydrated backpacking meal ideas that use tomato sauce powder:
Penne Puttanesca
Tomato Seafood Chowder
Tomato Basil Soup
In Conclusion
Tomato sauce powder is an excellent addition to your backpacking pantry. Not only is it lightweight and easy to store, but it also adds a rich, savory flavor to all your meals. By following these simple steps, you can make your own tomato sauce powder, ensuring you’re ready to enhance your next outdoor adventure with flavorful dishes!
