Question: can you use tomato paste instead of puree?
Answer: Use Tomato Paste as a Tomato Puree Substitute When you need tomato puree and all you have in the pantry is tomato paste, all is not lost. You can dilute a can of tomato paste to make a substitute for tomato puree. Open the can of tomato paste. Measure out 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the paste and mix with 3/4 cup water.