Ever looked for a substitute for stewed tomatoes?
Today you find alternatives that are healthier and can be used in your rice dishes.
The following substitutes are tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, chopped fresh tomatoes, etc. Let’s start the list.
8 Substitute for Stewed Tomatoes
A stewed tomato is a cooked tomato that has been peeled and then cooked in a sauce or stew.
While stewed tomatoes are a common ingredient in many dishes, they can also be eaten as a standalone dish.
There are many ways to make a stewed tomato, but tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs are the most common ingredients.
1. CANNED TOMATO
Use canned crushed tomatoes. Canned crushed tomatoes are tomatoes that have been crushed or pressed, and they work great as a substitute for stewed tomatoes.
Canned crushed tomatoes can be used 1:1 in recipes that call for stewed tomatoes.
You may also want to consider using canned tomato sauce or canned tomato puree.
2. FRESH TOMATO
Fresh tomatoes can be used as a substitute for stewed tomatoes. The salsa recipes and Italian marinara sauces typically use fresh tomatoes instead of canned stewed tomatoes. Following is my easy recipe for an Italian marinara sauce.
I simmered the tomato sauce on low heat for about 1 hour, so all the flavors blended, and it thickened up a bit. You can simmer the mixture for more extended periods to get more sauce. Still, I prefer mine more like an Indian-style masala curry – thicker, with chunks of tomatoes and veggies.
This may be used as a base recipe for your sauce, and you could add cooked meat such as beef or chicken (cut into cubes), or if you like spicy curries, add some red pepper flakes.
Suppose you cook this on low heat for 3-4 hours, frequently stirring to avoid scorching at the bottom. You will end up with something similar in consistency to canned stewed tomatoes that is very tasty and certainly tastes better than using canned tomato soup or sauce.
3. PEELED TOMATO
You can use peeled Roma/plum tomatoes in stewed tomato’s place.
Simply cook the ingredients without oil or butter (you may need to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil).
When the vegetables are tender, purée them in a blender until smooth, and you’re done!
You now have your own homemade stewed tomatoes. Of course, fresh tastes much better than canned, so make sure you go with ripe tomatoes when possible.
If you’re searching for opinions on how to use these delicious veggies, consider swapping them into your recipes instead of water when making soups & stews, or use them in place of marinara sauce.
4. DICED TOMATO
Diced tomatoes are pre-cut ones peeled and then chopped into small pieces. They can be substituted 1:1 in recipes that call for stewed tomatoes.
5. CRUSHED TOMATO
Crushed tomatoes easily are substituted for stewed tomatoes in most recipes.
You may require adding a little extra liquid if the recipe for stewed tomatoes, as crushed tomatoes are more watery than stewed ones.
Be sure to taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. TOMATO PASTE
Use tomato paste as a replacement for stewed tomatoes in a recipe.
Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated form of tomato sauce that can add flavor and color to dishes.
You may use a Tomato paste as a thickener in sauces and soups. Suppose you are using tomato paste as a substitution for stewed tomatoes. In that case, you will need to use approximately 1/3 of the amount in the recipe.
For instance, if the recipe needs 1 cup of stewed tomatoes, you would use 1/3 cup of tomato paste.
Be sure to stir the tomato paste well into the dish before serving to ensure that it is evenly distributed.
7. TOMATO PUREE
Tomato puree is a thicker liquid made from cooked tomatoes that have been squished until smooth. Tomato puree can also be used to substitute for stewed tomatoes in most cases.
8. TOMATO SAUCE
Tomato sauce is made from cooked tomatoes blended into a thick liquid. It works well as a substitute for stewed tomatoes in many recipes.
How to thicken stewed tomatoes
There are several ways to thicken stewed tomatoes.
One way is to add cornstarch & flour. Generally, one teaspoon of cornstarch or flour will thicken about one cup of liquid. Depending on the recipe, you may require more or less.
Assume you are using cornstarch or flour; mix it with water before adding it to the stewed tomatoes. This will aid in the prevention of lump formation.
Another way is to add potato flakes, oatmeal, bread crumbs, or cooked rice. If you add potato flakes, oatmeal, bread crumbs, or cooked rice, you will usually need an about one-half cup for every two cups of liquid.
Add them directly to the tomato mixture using potato flakes, oatmeal, bread crumbs, or cooked rice. Cook the mixture until it thickens.
Another way is to add cooked pasta. Which of these approaches you choose will be decided by your recipe and personal preferences.
It is important to note that if you use flour or cornstarch to thicken your stewed tomatoes, the end result will be a slightly cloudy broth. This is normal and is not a sign of spoilage.
If you’re dissatisfied with the looks of your stewed tomatoes, you can try one of the other thickening procedures.
Bonus Tips: Some people find that stewed tomatoes thicken better if you add some cream or evaporated milk when adding your thickener, such as oatmeal.
Other people use plain water instead of broth to reduce the sodium content in their recipe. Don’t add any salt until you start cooking if you take this approach.
Salt will not dissolve in plain water and give your sauce a salty taste. You can still add extra salt once it’s cooked, but excess salt in tomato-based meals is difficult to remove.
Suppose the issue with your stewed tomatoes was too much liquid rather than not enough. If this is your situation, then no necessity to add anything else, such as an oatmeal thickener. Just simmer the mixture until it has reduced to the desired consistency.
Roasting the tomatoes will add a slight sweetness and smokiness to the dish.
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What is the difference between stewed tomatoes and diced tomatoes?
Stewed tomatoes are whole peeled tomatoes that have been cooked in their own juices for a long time. Diced tomatoes are crushed tomatoes, not necessarily peeled, cut into smaller pieces (1/4 inch) than stewed (1/2 inch).
This results in diced tomatoes having less liquid and more tomato solids. Stewed tomatoes are also higher in sugar and sodium than diced tomatoes.
Which is better for making sauce?
Diced tomatoes are better for making sauce because they have a thicker consistency than stewed tomatoes. They also have a more intense flavor because of the longer cooking time.
Stewed tomatoes can be used for sauces, but they tend to be watery and not as flavorful as diced tomatoes.
Which is better for making salsa?
Stewed tomatoes are better for making salsa because they have a thicker consistency than diced tomatoes.
They also have a more intense flavor because of the longer cooking time, ensuring that onions and peppers are cooked thoroughly.
Stewed or diced tomatoes can be used for salsa, but stewed tomatoes will provide a heartier flavor.
Which is better for chili?
Stewed tomatoes are better for chili because they have a thicker consistency than diced tomatoes.
Stewed tomatoes need a longer cooking time. -This guarantees that the flavors of the chili’s spices and other ingredients are well soaked into the tomatoes.
Which is better for the salad?
Diced tomatoes are better for salads because they have smaller pieces than stewed.
Stewed tomatoes are too large to fit nicely on a salad and can be a little messy.
Diced tomatoes are better for most recipes because they have a thicker consistency than stewed tomatoes and a more intense flavor.
Stewed tomatoes are good for making sauces, but diced tomatoes are better because they have a thinner consistency.
What can I substitute for Mexican-style stewed Tomato?
There are a few different things you can try. One option is to make a simple tomato sauce with diced tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.
Another option is to use a store-bought marinara sauce. Suppose you want something a bit more flavorful. In that case, you could try making a homemade arrabbiata sauce with tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil.
Whichever option you prefer, just be sure to cook the sauce until it’s nice and thick so it will cling to the pasta.
Wrap Up On Stewed Tomatoes Substitutes
There are many substitutes for stewed tomatoes. Some people might prefer to use tomato sauce or diced tomatoes. Some recipes call for pureed tomatoes or tomato paste.
Whatever alternative you use, the most important is that the tomatoes are cooked down until they are very softened.
This will help develop the flavors and create a rich and hearty sauce. With a little bit of experimentation, you can find a substitution that will work perfectly for your recipe. Enjoy!
FAQs Related on Stewed Tomatoes & Its Alternative
Q1. What is the equivalent of stewed tomatoes?
One popular equivalent is crushed tomatoes. Crushed tomatoes are made by pressing whole, peeled tomatoes through a sieve or food mill.
They have a slightly thicker consistency than stewed tomatoes and a more intense tomato flavor. Another option is to use diced tomatoes.
Diced tomatoes are typically chopped into small pieces, varying in size. They can be more finely chopped than stewed tomatoes, which cook down thicker.
Q2. What crushed tomatoes?
Crushed tomatoes are a type of tomato sauce made by crushing fresh tomatoes.
Crushed tomatoes can be used in various dishes, including pasta sauces, pizzas, and casseroles. They can also be used on garlic bread or other types of bread.
Q3. Is Passata the same as crushed tomatoes?
Yes, Passata can be sometimes confused with crushed tomatoes. Passata is made using a similar process as crushed tomatoes but is not necessarily made from fresh tomatoes.
