Passata (or passata di pomodoro) is a smooth, uncooked Italian purée of ripe tomatoes, strained to remove skins and seeds, resulting in a fresh, slightly sweet, and versatile liquid base for sauces, soups, and pizzas, distinct from cooked tomato sauce or concentrated paste. It's essentially a raw, finely sieved tomato liquid, offering a bright, fresh flavor perfect for building dishes from scratch.