What Is Canned Tomato Sauce?

What is canned tomato sauce?

Canned tomato sauce is an economical and convenient way to add flavor and color to many dishes. This pantry staple works great in soups, stews and chilis – simply stir in some herbs or spices for extra kick!

The Best Substitutes for Tomato Sauce

Are you looking to reduce cooking time, avoid sodium or simply want something different than canned tomatoes, there are a few great substitutes you can choose from. Tomato paste and canned tomatoes are two common choices but there’s also ketchup or tomato soup you may like as well.

Tomato Paste

A diluted version of tomato sauce, tomato paste is an ideal substitution for many recipes – especially summer ones. Making it at home is simple and a great way to utilize those fresh garden tomatoes!

To maximize flavor in recipes, adjust measurements and seasonings accordingly. A teaspoon of tomato paste combined with some water can easily replace one or more cups of tomato sauce in most recipes. You may need to reduce liquid amounts or add more salt or sugar to counteract the sweetness from tomato paste.

Whole Peeled Tomatoes

Whole peeled tomatoes are a widely-used canned tomato product, usually packed in either juice or puree and used in various recipes. They’re especially useful when you want to create an extensive simmering dish such as soup or stew that features broken down vegetables.

Chopping tomatoes into diced or crushed pieces, pressing them through a food mill or with a potato masher for crushed tomatoes, and then pureeing in either a food processor or blender are all options! A pinch of salt and some pepper will help you turn these ingredients into an irresistible sauce just as good as store-bought!

Stewed Tomatoes

Stewed tomatoes are a versatile type of canned tomato that often gets added to recipes that call for chunkier sauces, like meat-based stews, pasta dishes and soups. Not only do they add extra flavor and texture, but they’re also commonly added to meat-based dishes like stews or soups.

Tomato Sauce

Not to be mistaken with pasta sauce, tomato sauce is thinner than tomato paste and may include other vegetables. It usually has seasonings added such as garlic, onions, basil oregano thyme and bay leaves and can serve as the basis of other sauces like marinara and salsa.

When you have excess tomatoes in your garden, this can be a great option! Add the sauce to various meals such as chicken or pizza to use them up quickly!

Depending on the recipe, you can make this in either a stovetop pot or by using a pressure canner. Both methods are similar; however, taking longer with the stovetop pot will result in your desired consistency being reached faster.

For a fast and delicious way to enjoy your favorite tomato-based dish, try this chili made with canned tomato sauce, ground beef and kidney beans. Your entire family is sure to love it!