Diced tomatoes are a type of food that is prepared by cutting tomatoes into small pieces. They are often used as an ingredient in salads, pasta dishes, pizzas, and soups.
Diced tomatoes usually come in cans and are sold at most supermarkets. Some brands of diced tomatoes also include other vegetables such as onions, celery, and peppers.
Diced tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, and they are also low in calories and fat.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add some extra flavor to your meal, or you’re looking for healthy and nutritious food, diced tomatoes are a great option.
What Are Diced Tomatoes Used For?
Diced tomatoes are the perfect ingredient for a quick and easy meal. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta sauce to chili. And because they’re already chopped, there’s no need to do any prep work – just open the can and add them to your recipe.
Diced tomatoes are also a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your diet. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
So next time you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful addition to your meal, reach for a can of diced tomatoes.
9 Best Substitutes For Diced Tomatoes
The best substitutes for diced tomatoes are- Fresh Tomatoes, Whole Peeled Tomatoes, Tomato Puree, Tomato Paste, Tomato Juice, Tomato soup, Canned Tomatoes, Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato sauce. They are discussed in detail here –
1. Fresh Tomatoes
There are many recipes that call for diced tomatoes, but what if you only have fresh tomatoes on hand? No need to worry – with a little prep work, fresh tomatoes can easily be used as a substitute for diced tomatoes.
The key is to start by chopping the tomatoes into small pieces. Then, place them on a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle them with salt. The salt will help to draw out excess water from the tomatoes, resulting in a final product that is closer in texture to diced tomatoes.
Once the tomatoes have been salted, simply add them to your recipe and enjoy!
2. Whole Peeled Tomatoes
With their soft skin and pulpy insides, diced tomatoes can be tough to get evenly sized (and often end up being more like mush).
That’s why we’re fans of whole peeled tomatoes as a substitute for diced tomatoes. Just pop them in the food processor or blender and give them a few pulses until they’re the desired consistency.
Plus, no more worrying about whether your diced tomatoes are going to hold up in the dish you’re making! So the next time a recipe calls for diced tomatoes, reach for some whole peeled tomatoes instead – your dish will thank you.
3. Tomato Puree
One of the most versatile ingredients in any kitchen is tomato puree. This thick, red sauce can be used as a base for soups and stews, or as a flavorful addition to pasta dishes.
But what about diced tomatoes? Can tomato puree be used as a substitute? The short answer is yes! Tomato puree can be used in place of diced tomatoes in almost any recipe. The main difference is that it will add a deeper level of flavor to your dish.
So if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add some extra flavor to your next meal, reach for the tomato puree!
4. Tomato Paste
Think diced tomatoes are a necessary ingredient in your favorite recipes? Think again! Tomato paste can be used as a delicious and convenient substitute for diced tomatoes.
Not only is it easy to find in most grocery stores, but it also comes in a variety of sizes and can be stored for months in the pantry. Plus, it’s a great way to add flavor and body to soups, stews, and sauces.
So if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add diced tomatoes to your dish, reach for the tomato paste instead!
5. Tomato Juice
In a pinch, you can absolutely substitute tomato juice for diced tomatoes. Some might even say that it’s a superior option!
The main advantage of using tomato juice is that it’s already strained and doesn’t have any pesky seeds or chunks of skin. This makes it ideal for dishes where a smooth consistency is desired, such as soup or sauce. Plus, it’s usually cheaper and easier to find than diced tomatoes.
And if you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, many brands of tomato juice are now available with no added salt.
So next time your recipe calls for diced tomatoes, don’t be afraid to reach for the tomato juice instead. Your dish will be just as tasty – and maybe even better!
6. Tomato soup
Whether you’re out of diced tomatoes or just looking for a change, tomato soup is a delicious and easy substitute for diced tomatoes in recipes.
Just sauté your aromatics (onion, garlic, etc.) as normal, then add a can of tomato soup and some water (or chicken/vegetable stock) to thin it out to the desired consistency.
You can also add extra spices or herbs if you want to give it a little boost of flavor.
Give it a try the next time if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to change up your usual recipes!
7. Canned Tomatoes
There’s a new kid in town, and its name is canned tomatoes. Canned tomatoes are the perfect substitute for diced tomatoes in any dish.
They’re already chopped up, so there’s no need to do any extra prep work. Plus, they’re usually more affordable than their fresh counterparts.
And let’s be honest: they just taste better. Canned tomatoes are super versatile, so feel free to use them in any recipe that calls for diced tomatoes. Your taste buds will thank you.
8. Crushed Tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes are a great substitute for diced tomatoes, and they’re usually much cheaper. Crushed tomatoes are also easier to find in the store, since they’re typically sold in larger cans.
The texture of crushed tomatoes is also different from diced tomatoes, so it’s important to keep that in mind when you’re substituting them in a recipe.
Crushed tomatoes will make your dish more smooth and less chunky, so if you’re looking for a chunkier texture, you may want to use another type of tomato.
Overall, crushed tomatoes are a great substitute for diced tomatoes, and they can help you save money and time when you’re cooking.
9. Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for diced tomatoes. While the flavors won’t be exactly the same, the sauce will still provide the essential acidity and sweetness that tomatoes bring to a dish.
The thickness of the sauce may also help to provide body to a dish that would otherwise be watery.
Of course, it’s always best to use fresh ingredients when possible. But if you find yourself without any diced tomatoes on hand, don’t be afraid to reach for the tomato sauce.
With a little creativity, it can still make for a delicious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes?
If you’re wondering what the difference is between diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes, you’ve come to the right place. Both diced and crushed tomatoes are popular ingredients in many recipes, but they can actually be quite different.
Diced tomatoes are exactly what they sound like – they’re simply fresh tomatoes that have been cut into small dice. Crushed tomatoes, on the other hand, have been finely ground into a pulp. This makes them much more sauce-like in consistency.
What is the difference between diced tomatoes and tomato sauce?
There are a few key differences between diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. First of all, diced tomatoes are usually fresh, while tomato sauce is typically made from canned or cooked tomatoes.
This means that the flavor of diced tomatoes is generally more vibrant and fresh-tasting, while tomato sauce tends to be richer and more complex.
Are Peeled whole tomatoes the same as diced tomatoes?
The answer to this question depends on what you’re looking for in a tomato. Peeling and then slicing or dicing a whole tomato will obviously result in smaller pieces than if you were to just dice the tomato to begin with.
However, some people prefer the taste of freshly peeled tomatoes. Additionally, diced tomatoes usually come with added seasoning like salt, garlic, and onion – which you may not want in your dish.
So it really just comes down to preference.
What can I use instead of diced tomatoes in chili?
You could use crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, or even roasted tomatoes. Just make sure to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
For example, if you use tomato sauce, you might need to add more spices to compensate for the lack of flavor in the sauce.
Likewise, if you use roasted tomatoes, you might need to add less salt since the roasting process intensifies the natural sugars in the vegetable and makes them slightly sweeter. Just play around with it and see what works best for you!
Can you eat diced tomatoes raw?
You can definitely eat diced tomatoes raw! In fact, you can make a great healthy snack with them. Just wash them first finely.
Diced tomatoes are packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, and lycopene. They’re also low in calories and fat-free. So much away!
Here are a few ideas for how to enjoy diced tomatoes:
- Add them to a salad for a crunchy texture and extra flavor.
- Serve them as a simple side dish with some seasoning.
- Throw them into your favorite pasta or pizza recipe.
- Enjoy them straight up as a healthy snack!
Will diced tomatoes cook down?
Yes. Diced tomatoes will cook down. They’ll release their water and shrink in size as they cook.
Can I puree diced tomatoes to make tomato sauce?
Absolutely! In fact, that’s a really great idea. Pureeing diced tomatoes will give you a really nice, thick tomato sauce that is perfect for pasta or pizza. Plus, it’s super easy to do.
Simply put your diced tomatoes into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Then, just add your favorite herbs and spices and you’re good to go!
Are diced tomatoes and chopped tomatoes the same thing?
Not necessarily! diced tomatoes are typically small, uniform pieces, while chopped tomatoes generally have a more irregular shape. However, since both are chopped up into smaller pieces, they can be used interchangeably in many recipes.
How many diced tomatoes are in a can?
Most cans of diced tomatoes contain between 14 and 16 ounces.
What dishes use diced tomatoes?
Diced tomatoes are a popular ingredient in a wide variety of dishes. Some of the most common dishes that use diced tomatoes include chili, soup, and salsa. Additionally, diced tomatoes can also be used as a topping for pizzas, burgers, and tacos.
Can I freeze diced tomatoes?
Yes, you can freeze diced tomatoes. Just place them in a freezer bag or container and seal tightly. When you’re ready to use them, thaw in the refrigerator or cook frozen (there’s no need to thaw first).
Frozen diced tomatoes are a great way to add fresh flavor to your recipes all winter long. So go ahead and stock up!
Are diced tomatoes spicy?
No, diced tomatoes are not spicy. They are typically quite mild in flavor. However, the level of spiciness can vary depending on the variety of tomato used. For example, some tomatoes are more spicy than others.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading! I hope this post has helped you to find a delicious and nutritious diced tomato substitute. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments in the section below. Thanks again, and have a great day!
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3 comments
This article is a treasure for those who are allergic to tomatoes or simply don’t have them on hand. The idea of using alternatives like tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and even tomato puree is quite impressive. However, I’m curious about how these substitutes would affect the overall taste of the dish. Would it still maintain the tanginess of diced tomatoes? It would be great to see some experiments or taste tests in future articles.
As a home cook, I often find myself running out of certain ingredients, and this guide is extremely helpful. From tomato paste to canned tomatoes, each substitute brings its own unique texture and flavor to the table. It’s all about improvisation and creativity in the kitchen. Kudos to the author for providing such a comprehensive list.
Tomato sauce? Never thought of that!