The easiest substitute for tomato puree is tomato sauce. You can also use tomato paste, canned tomatoes, ketchup, pizza sauce, fresh tomatoes, or make your own tomato puree.
If you’re making a recipe that calls for tomato puree and you are out, no need to worry. There are several substitutes you can use in place of tomato puree. Here are 6 easy substitutes you can use in your recipes.
Easy Tomato Puree Substitutes
1. Tomato Sauce
The easiest substitute for tomato puree is tomato sauce. It has a similar flavor but the texture is thinner. You can cook it to thicken the sauce.
Substitute 1 to 1 in your recipes.
2. Tomato Paste
Another great substitute is tomato paste. It also has a similar taste to tomato puree. The only problem is it is really thick. To deal with this problem you can mix it with water.
Mix 1/4 cup of tomato paste with 1/4 cup of water, and then you can substitute 1 to 1 in your recipe.
3. Canned Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are an easy substitute to use. You will get a similar taste if you use canned tomatoes. The only difference is the texture. Canned tomatoes are chunkier. If you prefer you can blend the tomatoes to create a smooth texture, and then you can drain any excess liquid.
Substitute 1 to 1 in your recipe.
4. Ketchup
If you don’t have any of the above substitutes on hand, ketchup will work. Keep in mind when you are making your recipe ketchup does have a stronger flavor than tomato puree.
Use a small amount of ketchup when substituting.
5. Pizza Sauce
Do you have a bottle of pizza sauce sitting in your pantry? If you do, you can use it as an alternative to tomato puree. Keep in mind that pizza sauce is usually seasoned and flavored so that could change your recipe taste as tomato puree is unflavored. I like to use pizza sauce for dipping sauces.
Substitute 1 to 1 in your recipes.
6. Fresh Tomatoes
If you don’t want to use any of the above substitutes you can make your own homemade tomato puree using fresh tomatoes.
Homemade Tomato Puree Recipe
Ingredients:
Tomatoes
Directions:
- The first step you will need to do is wash and dry the tomatoes.
- Then you will need to cut the tomatoes into small pieces. Cutting will allow the tomatoes to cook faster.
- Fill a pot with tomatoes.
- Set the heat to medium-high and let the tomatoes come to a boil.
- As the tomatoes start to cook they will release their own liquid.
- After boiling reduce the heat and let them simmer. Stir frequently and cook for 10-15 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.
- After cooking let the tomatoes cool.
- Then run them through the blender or food processor to get the right texture.
- You can then strain the tomatoes through a mesh sleeve to remove any seeds and skins.
- If your puree seems to be thin you can cook again until you get the right texture that you want.
- You can then transfer to an airtight container. Tomato puree can also be frozen.
Questions
What is tomato puree?
Tomato puree is a liquid made of tomatoes that is thick. It is made by cooking and then straining tomatoes. It contains no seasonings. The taste is compared to that of fresh tomatoes.
Is tomato sauce the same as tomato puree?
No, tomato sauce is not the same as tomato puree. The difference is that tomato sauce contains seasonings like salt, garlic, and sugar, while tomato puree is unseasoned.
Can I use crushed tomatoes instead of tomato puree?
Yes, crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato puree. Crushed tomatoes have a chunkier consistency compared to tomato puree. To get a smoother consistency you will need to blend the crushed tomatoes and then discard any excess liquid.
What can you substitute for tomato puree?
Tomato sauce, tomato paste, canned tomatoes, ketchup, pizza sauce, and fresh tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato puree.
Can tomato puree thicken sauces?
Tomato puree can be used to thicken sauces. Add the puree to your sauce and cook until thick.
Conclusion
If you are in the middle of a recipe and find that you are out of tomato puree there are several alternatives you can use in its place. The best substitutes for tomato puree are tomato sauce, tomato paste, canned tomatoes, ketchup, pizza sauce, and fresh tomatoes.
Other Articles
Best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes
7 Best Substitutes For Ketchup
10 Best Substitutes For Brown Sugar
Best Tomato Puree Substitutes – Tomato Puree Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Tomatoes
Instructions
- The first step you will need to do is wash and dry the tomatoes.
- Then you will need to cut the tomatoes into small pieces. Cutting will allow the tomatoes to cook faster.
- Fill a pot with tomatoes. Set the heat to medium-high and let the tomatoes come to a boil.
- As the tomatoes start to cook they will release their own liquid.
- After boiling reduce the heat and let them simmer. Stir frequently and cook for 10-15 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down. After cooking let the tomatoes cool.
- Then run them through the blender or food processor to get the right texture.
- You can then strain the tomatoes through a mesh sleeve to remove any seeds and skins. You can then transfer to an airtight container. Tomato puree can also be frozen.
