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Savory Tweaks: 7 BEST Tomato Puree Substitutes

Do you love tomatoes but are trying to stay away from a certain kind of tomato puree?

Look no further; this blog post has the answers you need.

With so many alternatives for those who cannot tolerate tomatoes, it can be hard to decide which one is best and will have the most impact on your recipes.

Don’t worry! We sifted through every single option available in order to help you choose the right substitute for your dish – keep reading to find out what we uncovered!

Whether you’re looking for something smooth and creamy or a bit more zesty that’ll make your taste buds dance, look no further: here’s our list of 7 best tomato puree substitutes that you should try!

What’s Tomato Puree?

Tomato puree is a thick, red sauce made from cooked and strained tomatoes.

It can be used as a base for other sauces or as a condiment.

Tomato puree is lower in acidity than fresh tomatoes and has a smooth, velvety texture.

The puree originated in Italy and was originally made from sun-dried tomatoes.

Today, it is made from fresh tomatoes that are cooked and then strained to remove the seeds and skin.

The resulting sauce is thick and rich with a deep red color.

Tomato puree has a sweet, earthy flavor with balancing acidity.

It is often used as a base for other sauces or as a condiment.

When used as a base, tomato puree can provide depth of flavor and body to soups, stews, and braises.

It can also be used as a pizza sauce or mixed into ground meat for burgers or meatloaf.

As a condiment, tomato puree can be used on sandwiches and grilled meats or mixed into mayonnaise or ketchup for an added boost of flavor.

To use tomato puree, simply open the can and pour it into whatever dish you are preparing.

If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with water or broth.

Tomato puree can also be frozen for up to six months.

7 Best Tomato Puree Substitutes You Should Try

1. Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is a common ingredient in many recipes, but what exactly is it? Tomato sauce is a smooth, thick red sauce made from tomatoes and other ingredients like onions, garlic, and herbs.

It’s commonly used as a base for pasta dishes or as a dipping sauce.

Tomato sauce has a slightly sweet and acidic taste that is well-balanced and versatile.

While it can be used on its own, it’s often paired with other ingredients to enhance flavor.

Substituting tomato puree for tomato sauce will result in a thinner, less flavorful dish.

When substituting tomato puree for tomato sauce, you’ll need to use about twice as much puree to get the same thickness and flavor.

You may also need to add additional seasonings to your dish to make up for the lack of flavor in the puree.

2. Tomato Paste

Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated tomato puree that has been cooked down and strained to remove the seeds and skin.

It’s intensely flavorful and much less sweet than tomato puree.

You can find it in small cans near the tomato sauce in your grocery store.

The paste is very concentrated, so a little goes a long way.

It’s also quite salty, so be sure to taste it before adding it to your dish.

Because it’s so concentrated, you’ll need to use less tomato paste than you would tomato puree.

Start by substituting 1/2 cup of tomato paste for every 1 cup of tomato puree called for in your recipe.

You can always add more if you think your dish needs it, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.

3. Pizza Sauce

Pizza sauce is a great substitute for tomato puree because it has a similar taste and consistency.

The main difference between the two is that pizza sauce is usually made with crushed tomatoes, whereas tomato puree is made with whole tomatoes that have been cooked down and strained.

If you’re looking for a tomato puree substitute that will give your dish a similar taste, pizza sauce is a good option.

It’s also a good choice if you’re looking for something that has a similar consistency.

The main difference between the two is that pizza sauce is usually made with crushed tomatoes, whereas tomato puree is made with whole tomatoes that have been cooked down and strained.

If you need to substitute tomato puree in a recipe, start by adding 1/2 cup of pizza sauce for every 1 cup of tomato puree that the recipe calls for.

You can always add more or less depending on how much flavor you want your dish to have.

4. Fresh Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.

they are low in calories, and high in vitamins A and C.

Fresh tomatoes have a sweetness that is absent in their canned counterparts.

They also have a firmer texture, making them ideal for salads and sandwiches.

If you’re looking for a healthy way to add some flavor to your dishes, then fresh tomatoes are a great option.

Here’s a tip: if a recipe calls for tomato puree, you can substitute fresh tomatoes by pureeing them in a blender or food processor.

This will give your dish a fresh, vibrant flavor that you’re sure to love.

5. Canned Tomatoes

Canned tomatoes are a great way to add flavor and texture to your dishes without having to go through the trouble of fresh tomatoes.

They come in a variety of styles, including diced, crushed, and puréed, so you can find the perfect one for your dish.

Canned tomatoes also tend to be more affordable than their fresh counterparts.

Plus, they have a longer shelf life, so you can always have them on hand when you need them.

Tomatoes that have been canned often have a more intense flavor than fresh ones.

This is because they are picked at the peak of ripeness and then cooked in their own juices.

As a result, they pack a lot of flavor into each bite.

In addition, canned tomatoes tend to be softer and less watery than fresh tomatoes.

This makes them ideal for dishes where you want a thick tomato sauce or puree.

If you’re looking to substitute canned tomatoes for tomato puree, simply drain the tomatoes and then use a food processor or blender to purée them until smooth.

You can then use this puree as you would any other tomato puree.

Canned tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can elevate your cooking with minimal effort.

6. Ketchup

Ketchup is a condiment made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices.

It is used as a dip for French fries and chicken nuggets, as well as a sandwich spread.

Ketchup is also an ingredient in many recipes, such as meatloaf, chili, and salads.

The taste of ketchup is sweet and tangy.

The sweetness comes from the sugar, while the tanginess comes from the vinegar.

Ketchup also has a slight umami flavor from the tomatoes.

To substitute ketchup for tomato puree, simply use an equal amount of ketchup in your recipe.

Ketchup can be used in both cooked and uncooked dishes.

If using ketchup in a cooked dish, it is best to add it towards the end of cooking so that the flavors don’t become muted.

7. Passata

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to tomato puree, look no further than passata.

Passata is made from 100% fresh tomatoes that have been peeled, seeded, and pureed.

This makes it a great option for those who are looking for a lower-sodium option, as well as those who are avoiding additives and preservatives.

In terms of taste, passata is very similar to the tomato puree.

It is slightly thinner in consistency but has all of the same rich and robust flavors.

When substituting passata for tomato puree in recipes, you may need to add a bit more water to thin it out.

But other than that, it can be used interchangeably.

Conclusion

Tomato puree is a thick, red sauce that is made from tomatoes.

It is commonly used in Italian cooking and can be used in place of fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, or tomato sauce.

While it may seem daunting to find a substitute for tomato puree, there are actually many options that can be used in its place.

Some of the best substitutes for tomato puree include ketchup, canned tomatoes, passata, and pizza sauce.

Each of these substitutes has a different taste and texture, so be sure to choose one that will work best for your recipe.

7 Best Tomato Puree Substitutes You Should Try

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Substitutes
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Tomato Sauce
  • 2. Tomato Paste
  • 3. Pizza Sauce
  • 4. Fresh Tomatoes
  • 5. Canned Tomatoes
  • 6. Ketchup
  • 7. Passata

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite ingredient from the list above to use as a substitute.
  • Follow the instructions and use the exact ratio of ingredients as directed.
  • This will help to ensure that your dish turns out just as delicious as it would have with the original ingredient.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!