Strattu

Strattu is a traditional tomato paste originating from Sicily. The tomato paste is made from large batches of tomatoes that are boiled and their pulp is extracted. The pulp is stirred with a wooden stick, seasoned with salt, then spread into shallow trays that are set out in the sun to dry.

Over a few days of drying and stirring, the pulp will become leathery in texture and a tomato paste will be created in the process. Oil is added to the tomato paste and it's then spooned into jars and sealed. Strattu is added in small amount to sauces or it can be spread over roasted meat.