For folks who are searching for the best stewed tomatoes substitute, it may seem like a tough ordeal.
But basically, stewed tomatoes are simply fresh tomatoes cooked with seasonings and salt. These seasonings include celery, onion, garlic and bell pepper. You can heat it up or use as a side dish, while others add these tomatoes to stews, soups, and sauces.
When your recipe requires you to use stewed tomatoes, you may be tempted to use canned tomatoes. But then again, will it work?
Before you any type of tomato, keep reading – we have some ideas on the best substitute for stewed tomatoes that you never knew!
Stewed Tomatoes Substitute
There are simply some instances when you are in the middle of making your recipe, only to discover that you don’t have a particular ingredient you need.
Thankfully, substituting an ingredient for another – assuming it is similar in texture and flavor – is a good idea. This is why we bring to you these substitutes for stewed tomatoes that you never knew.
1. Diced Tomatoes
Compared to stewed tomatoes, diced tomatoes are smaller and with firmer chunks. But at the same time, they are pretty much tomatoes in smaller pieces and soaking in tomato juice. You can easily cook these up a bit if you wish, then add some more seasonings or salt.
How To Substitute
When using diced tomatoes for stewed tomatoes in a recipe, you can cook them up longer and add in some vegetables. Simmer diced tomatoes with onion, spices, peppers and garlic. This way, you can have the flavor profile you wish to achieve for your pastas, soups, and stews.
Not sure how to use diced tomatoes in your recipes? Here are some ideas to help you out!
2. Crushed tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes are smooth with a tad more tomato puree. This is why you can most definitely use these for your recipe that requires stewed tomatoes. With that being said, you can expect the same pourable quality, yet a bit thicker and with some tiny tomato chunks.
Moreover, crushed tomatoes are chunky and not exactly smooth like stewed tomatoes. But they are great for use in soups and pasta sauces, nonetheless.
How to Substitute
If you are considering using crushed tomatoes instead of stewed tomatoes, you may want to add more liquid and cook it up a bit more. This will help you to achieve your desired consistency and texture for your recipe.
Get a load of this amazing spaghetti sauce recipe for crushed tomatoes that you never knew:
3. Whole Tomatoes
If all you’ve got are whole tomatoes and no stewed tomatoes, then don’t fret – you can use the former without any hassle.
Plum tomatoes are what you can usually find in a can labeled as “whole tomatoes”. These are peeled, yet the seeds are still left intact. These tomatoes are often used in soups and pasta sauces, and people simply crush these tomatoes in a blender or with a fork before using them in their recipes.
How to Substitute
If you need to use whole tomatoes since you have no stewed tomatoes available, you can definitely do it. But it requires some work by adding extra seasonings such as chopped onions and bell pepper. Cook your canned whole tomatoes until thick and with a richer flavor.
Enjoy this fantastic recipe for whole tomatoes that’s hearty, healthy, and tasty
4. Tomato Paste
And lastly, we have tomato paste as another option for a stewed tomatoes substitute. Sometimes, it is all you’ve got left in the pantry, so you can definitely use it up for your recipe that requires stewed tomatoes.
What’s unique about paste is that it is thick and has a high solid content of up to 40 percent. But it is very nutritious and rich, which is why it is typical in soup recipes and other sauces to provide a denser quality.
How to Substitute
Tomato paste is most definitely different in terms of texture since it is very thick unlike a smoother stewed tomato. But at the same time, you can count on the same flavor and aroma, which is why it works well when you don’t have stewed tomatoes at hand.
This video talks about how to make tomato paste into a delectable pasta sauce in minutes!
Stewed Tomatoes – Which One Is Best?
At the store, you may find yourself in a dilemma between buying canned stewed tomatoes or making one yourself.
The choice is entirely up to you. If you want something that is fast and easy, then canned stewed tomatoes are your best bet since you only need to open the can, and it should be ready to use.
On the other hand, if you prefer to make everything from scratch, then making homemade stewed tomatoes is easy, too.
Simple peel, seed, core, and dice up the tomatoes. Add in some pepper, celery, and onions and cook them up on medium heat. Allow to simmer in low heat and keep covered. Cook for another 15 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Then, add seasonings and sugar and your stewed tomatoes should be ready!
What Is The Difference Between Stewed Tomatoes And Diced Tomatoes
Basically, stewed tomatoes and canned tomatoes are prepared in a different way. Diced are chopped up in smaller pieces, or in squares (dices), while stewed tomatoes are chopped then cooked with seasonings.
In terms of texture, diced tomatoes are firmer and harder. This is why they are good options for salsa or garnishing in salads.
As for stewed tomatoes, they are smoother and larger in size. They also have a sweeter and more savory taste because of the seasonings added to them.
Difference Between Crushed And Pureed Tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes have a pulpy quality in them. They are also a bit watery with some tomato chunks present. Sometimes, there is tomato paste or tomato puree added to them. As for pureed tomatoes, these are usually finer and free from chunks. You can use pureed tomatoes for your pasta sauce when you want it to be completely fine and smooth.
Final Thoughts
Stewed tomatoes are somewhat sweet, tangy, and scrumptious without any doubt. But if your recipe requires you to use these tomatoes, don’t fret – there are a few stewed tomatoes substitute options you can consider. We hope this post helped you pick out the right one you need for your recipe!
