Enhance Recipes: 5 BEST Tomato Puree Substitutes

Caught in a pickle because your recipe calls for tomato puree and you’re fresh out?

You’re not alone.

We’ve all been there, scrambling through the pantry looking for something, anything, that could work as a good substitute.

Good news is, it’s totally doable to swap it out and still whip up something delicious.

We’re here to spill the beans on the top tomato puree substitutes.

And trust us, these swaps are game changers.

From canned tomatoes to ketchup, we’ve tested and tasted to find the best alternatives.

Our kitchen escapades have uncovered some seriously tasty tricks.

So, ditch the stress and get ready to make your dishes shine, even without that elusive tomato puree.

What is Tomato Puree?

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

It is a common ingredient in Italian cooking and can be used to make pasta sauces, soups, and stews.

While it can be made at home, it is also widely available in supermarkets.

Tomato puree is typically made from tomatoes that have been peeled and seeded.

The tomatoes are then cooked until they are very soft and break down.

At this point, they are pureed using a food processor or blender.

The resulting sauce is thick and fairly smooth, with a deep red color.

Tomato puree can be used in many different recipes, or it can be enjoyed on its own as a dipping sauce or condiment.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Tomato Puree

For those looking for a delicious yet slightly healthier alternative to tomato puree, we’ve got five great substitutes that will do the trick.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Substitute Ratio
Tomato Sauce	Smooth and thin consistency, slightly diluted flavor	Use as a 1:1 substitution for tomato puree
Tomato Paste	Thick and concentrated, intense tomato flavor	Dilute 1 part tomato paste with 1 part water or broth to obtain a similar consistency
Pizza Sauce	Seasoned tomato sauce used for pizza	Use as a 1:1 substitution for tomato puree
Marinara Sauce	Tomato-based sauce with herbs and spices	Use as a 1:1 substitution for tomato puree
Passata	Smooth and thick tomato puree	Use as a 1:1 substitution for tomato puree

When looking to enhance your recipes and in need of substitutes for tomato puree, consider these five options:

1 – Tomato Sauce

The perfect tomato sauce is sweet and savory, with just a hint of acidity.

It’s smooth and silky yet thick enough to coat a piece of pasta.

It’s simple yet complex. In short, it’s the perfect food.

And it’s incredibly easy to make at home.

All you need are some ripe tomatoes, a few basic seasonings, and time.

The result is a sauce that is infinitely better than anything you could buy at the store.

It can be used as a 1:1 substitution for tomato puree, providing a similar texture and taste.

2 – Tomato Paste

Tomato paste is a popular ingredient in many recipes, including pasta sauce, chili, and stews.

It is made by cooking tomatoes down to a thick paste.

The result is a rich, flavorful sauce that can add depth and complexity to any dish.

Tomato paste is available in both canned and jarred form, and it can be found in the aisle of most supermarkets.

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to add some extra flavor to your favorite recipes, reach for the tomato paste next time in the kitchen.

To use tomato paste as a substitute for tomato puree, dilute 1 part tomato paste with 1 part water or broth to achieve a similar consistency.

3 – Pizza Sauce

Pizza sauce is a tomato-based sauce typically used on pizza.

It is traditionally made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano.

However, there are many variations of pizza sauce, and many different ingredients can be used to create unique flavor profiles.

Pizza sauce can be made with fresh or canned tomatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices can be added to create different flavor profiles.

The type of cheese used on the pizza can also impact the sauce’s flavor.

For example, mozzarella cheese will give the sauce a sweeter taste, while provolone cheese will add a sharpness to the flavor.

It can serve as a 1:1 substitution for tomato puree, adding additional flavors that can enhance your recipes.

4 – Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce is a type of tomato sauce usually made from tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.

The sauce originated in Italy, and its name comes from the Italian word for “marinated.

” Marinara sauce is often used as a dipping sauce or a pasta sauce, and it can also be used as a pizza topping.

Marinara sauce is typically made with crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Sometimes, other ingredients such as onions, carrots, celery, or wine are added to the sauce.

Marinara sauce is relatively easy to make at home, and it can also be found in many supermarkets.

It can be used as a substitute for tomato puree in a 1:1 ratio to provide a well-seasoned base for your dishes.

5 – Passata

Passata is a type of tomato sauce that originated in Italy.

Unlike other tomato sauces, passata is made from strained tomatoes, giving it a smooth, velvety texture.

It is also relatively simple, requiring only tomatoes, salt, and lemon juice.

Passata can be used in various dishes, from pasta sauces to pizza toppings.

It can also be enjoyed as a dipping sauce or spread.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add flavor to your cooking or want to explore the world of Italian cuisine, passata is a great place to start.

It offers a concentrated tomato flavor and a similar consistency, making it an excellent option to enhance your recipes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a few tomato puree substitutes can be used depending on what you need them for.

If you need it for cooking, any of the above options will work well.

However, if you need it for canning or preserving, it is best to use fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce.

Whichever route you choose, make sure to taste your food before serving it to ensure that the flavor is to your liking.