When it comes to cooking with tomatoes, many options are available. Tomato puree and crushed tomatoes are two of the most popular choices. But what is the difference between tomato puree vs crushed tomatoes?
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Quick Comparison Table: Crushed Tomatoes VS Tomato puree
| Parameter | Tomato Puree | Crushes Tomatoes |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A cooked food item that is normally made up of simply tomatoes straining | A mixture of finely chopped uncooked tomatoes |
| Seasoning | Both available seasoning & non-seasoning | Has seasoning |
| Made from | Cooked Tomatoes | Uncooked Tomatoes |
| Ideal for | Make sauce, dips, baked dishes | Pasta sauce, Lasagna, Murgh kari |
| Texture | Smooth, buttery | chunky texture |
| Seeds & Skins are not Present | Seeds & Skins are present | |
| Thickness | firmness, consistency, rich | thin compared to puree |
| use for | Italian sauce, Pizza sauce, tomato cream sauce, bean-pasta soup, marinades, gravies, baked dishes | Chili, soup, stews, casseroles, making tomato puree |
What is the Difference Between Tomato Puree and Crushed Tomatoes?
What is Tomato Puree?
Tomato puree is a thick, red paste made from cooked tomatoes. It is a familiar ingredient in many Italian and Indian dishes. It is used as a base for many other sauces and dishes.
Tomato puree is made by cooking tomatoes until they are soft and blending them into a smooth paste. The seeds and skin are usually removed before the tomatoes are pureed.
Pureed tomatoes can be used in soups, stews, sauces, and casseroles. Additionally, it is suitable for use as a pasta or pizza sauce.
Tomato puree is available in both canned and fresh forms. The canned variety is usually cheaper and more convenient, but some people prefer the taste of fresh tomato puree.
How do you make tomato puree?
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large tomatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Olive oil should be warmed in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
2. Add the tomatoes and salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and beginning to break down.
3. Utilize an immersion blender or food processor to puree the tomato mixture until smooth.
4. Enjoy your fresh tomato puree!
What is Crushed tomato?
Crushed tomatoes are a type of tomato product prepared by crushing and blending whole tomatoes.
They are typically canned or packaged in aseptic containers. Crushed tomatoes have a slightly coarser texture than tomato puree and usually contain bits of skin and seeds.
They are used as an ingredient in various dishes and recipes, such as pasta sauce, soup, and casserole.
How do I make crushed tomatoes puree?
Crushed tomatoes are a delicious and easy way to add flavor to your recipes. Tomatoes can be crushed by hand using a fork or potato masher or quickly and easily crushed in a food processor.
Begin by washing and clearing the stems from the fresh tomatoes. Cut the tomatoes into small pieces and place them in a colander to drain. Simply open the can of canned tomatoes and pour any extra liquid out.
The tomatoes should be wholly crushed after being placed in a food processor or blender. Avoid overprocessing as this can result in watery tomatoes.
Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to weeks.
Which One has better taste- Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes?
Crushed tomatoes have a better taste than tomato puree because they are less processed and have a more natural flavor.
Tomato puree tastes sweet, whereas crushed tomatoes have a tart flavor.
When to use Tomato puree, when to use crushed tomatoes?
One common question when making tomato-based dishes is whether to use tomato puree or crushed tomatoes. Both ingredients are made from tomatoes but differ in texture and flavor.
Tomato puree is a thick, smooth sauce made from cooked and strained tomatoes. It has a rich, intense tomato flavor and is often used as a base for other sauces or as a component in soups and stews.
Crushed tomatoes are made from fresh, uncooked tomatoes that have been crushed or chopped into small pieces. They have a lighter texture and flavor than tomato puree, and their seeds and skin are usually still intact. Crushed tomatoes are commonly used in pasta sauces, pizzas, and salsa.
Both tomato puree and crushed tomatoes can be used in various recipes. When choosing between the two, it is crucial to consider the desired texture and flavor of the dish.
Different schools of thought exist on when to use tomato puree versus crushed tomatoes. Some chefs prefer to use pureed tomatoes for a smoother texture, while others prefer the chunkier texture of crushed tomatoes. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
Here are a few suggestions on when to use each:
Tomato puree:
-When you want a smooth sauce or soup
-When you want a thickener for stews or chili
-When making ketchup or tomato soup
Crushed tomatoes:
-When you want a chunky sauce or soup
-When making pizza sauce or marinara sauce
-When you don’t need to cook the tomatoes for long
Finally, it is up to the cook to decide which tomato product to use in each dish. There are no hard and fast rules, so experiment and see what you prefer!
Can you substitute tomato puree for crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute tomato puree for crushed tomatoes. The texture will differ slightly, but the flavor will remain the same.
Read More: What can I use in place of tomato puree?
Shelf Life: Tomato Puree VS Crushed Tomatoes
Tomato puree has a longer shelf life than crushed tomatoes. This is because the puree is less likely to spoil and can be stored for a more extended period.
On the other hand, Crushed tomatoes are more prone to spoiling and should be used within a shorter time frame.
Can You make tomato puree from crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can make tomato puree from crushed tomatoes. First, cook the crushed tomatoes until they are soft. Then, place them in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. You can add water to the puree if you want a thinner consistency.
Bottom Line: Tomato Puree VS Crushed Tomatoes
The main difference between tomato puree and crushed tomatoes is the thickness. Tomato puree is made by cooking tomatoes until they turn into a thick liquid. In contrast, crushed tomatoes are made by crushing fresh tomatoes.
This results in a thicker consistency for the puree. Crushed tomatoes also have a chunky texture, while the tomato puree is smooth.
Tomato puree has been strained to remove the seeds and skin. Pureed tomatoes are thicker than tomato sauce and have a slightly sweeter taste. Crushed tomatoes contain seeds and skin. This gives them a chunkier texture and a more tart flavor.
Finally, tomato puree typically has a deeper red color, while crushed tomatoes are usually brighter in color.
How long does tomato puree last in the fridge?
Tomato puree will last in the fridge for 3-5 days. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it for up to 6 months.
How long do crushed tomatoes last in the fridge?
Crushed tomatoes will last in the fridge for about four days. However, if you want them to last longer, you can store them in the freezer for up to six months.
Can Substitute Crushed tomatoes for Tomato Puree?
Yes, you can substitute crushed tomatoes for tomato puree. The texture of the crushed tomatoes will be slightly different than the puree, but it will still work well in recipes.
Read More- 8 Substitute for Stewed Tomatoes [Simple Making Process]
Tomato sauce vs crushed tomatoes in chili
Very few key distinctions between tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes can make one a better choice for your chili, depending on your tastes.
Tomato sauce is usually thinner and smoother than crushed tomatoes and has a more uniform flavor. This can be an advantage if your chili has a consistent taste throughout.
Crushed tomatoes, on the other hand, will add more texture to your dish. They also tend to be a bit sweeter and brighter in flavor, which some people prefer.
In the end, the type of tomato product you use in your chili is a matter of personal preference. Try both and see which you prefer!
What is the best tomato puree?
[amazon bestseller=”tomato puree” items=”3″]
What are the best Crushed Tomatoes?
[amazon bestseller=”crushed tomatoes” items=”3″]
FAQs
Q1. Are pureed tomatoes the same as crushed ones?
No, pureed tomatoes are not the same as crushed ones. Crushed tomatoes are made by uncooked, well, crushing tomatoes. This results in a coarser product with more texture and chunkiness than pureed tomatoes.
Pureed tomatoes are made by cooked tomatoes, then blending or food processing tomatoes until they reach a smooth, velvety consistency. The two products can be utilized interchangeably in recipes, but remember that the texture of your final dish may be slightly different depending on which you use.
q2. Are crushed tomatoes the same as passata?
Yes, crushed tomatoes are the same as passata. Passata is simply a strained form of crushed tomatoes without the skin or seeds. It has a smooth texture and is used as a base for many Italian dishes.
q3. Can I use tomato puree in place of diced tomatoes?
Yes, you can use tomato puree in place of diced tomatoes.
However, you may need to add a bit more water to thin out the sauce. Additionally, the flavor will be a bit more concentrated, so you may want to add additional seasonings as well.
Q4. What is the difference between tomato puree and tomato sauce?
Tomato puree is a thick, smooth sauce made from cooked and strained tomatoes. It is used as a base for other tomato sauces or as an ingredient in dishes that call for tomatoes.
Tomato sauce is thinner, more watery than puree, and has a slightly different flavor. It is frequently used as a condiment to top dishes such as pasta or pizza.
Q5. Is it OK to use expired tomato puree?
If you’re wondering whether it’s OK to use expired tomato puree, the answer is probably yes. While the expiration date on food products is generally a good guide for how long they’ll remain fresh, many products (including tomato puree) can still be safely used past their expiration date.
However, it’s essential to use your best judgment when deciding whether or not to use a food product that’s past its expiration date.
If the puree looks and smells fine, it’s probably safe to use. But if it doesn’t look or smell right, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
