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.
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.
In south eastern Spain, it is frequently spread on toasted baguette and eaten as a breakfast dish. This is sometimes referred to as 'Pan Catalan'.
Heinz Tomato Frito was popularised in the United Kingdom as a short-cut ingredient by the cook Delia Smith, extoling it in books and her website recipes.