Tomate frito, which literally translates to “fried tomato,” is a pureed tomato sauce with a hint of onion and garlic that may be used as a basic component or just appreciated for the flavor it brings on its own. In Spanish, tomate frito is known as “fried tomato.” It differs from other tomato sauces in that the tomatoes in it have been fried, and it also contains a trace quantity of vegetable oil along with the rest of its components.
Other than fresh tomatoes, this product has the most tomatoes of those that are used in Spanish cooking. Sofrito is a type of sauce that is produced by first slow-frying bits of garlic, onion, and spices in oil, and then following that process by adding tomato puree.