Diced Tomatoes may be substituted.

Tomato-based components are popular for providing dishes body and richness. They also come in a plethora of types to meet a variety of culinary purposes. Diced tomatoes are one of those that are extensively utilized in a variety of cuisines. So what can you employ in its stead if your supply runs out?

The nice part about tomato components is that they may be substituted for one another since they are formed of the same core material. As you make such changes, though, you will notice a difference in flavor, thickness, and consistency. Thus, whether you’re seeking for a chopped tomato alternative for chili or just want to try something different, keep these considerations in mind. This article will teach you how to replace diced tomatoes with other ingredients such as crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and many more.

What are Diced Tomatoes?

Diced tomatoes are little bits of tomato that have been kept in tomato juice or puree. Depending on the brand, they are generally sold in sealed jars or cans. The term “diced tomatoes” comes from the symmetrical chopping of the tomatoes before they are blended with juice. The bits may be big enough to stand alone as toppers or somewhat smaller to add into creamy soups.

This interesting component is made from plum tomatoes. The tomatoes are heated first so that the skin may be easily peeled off. After this, the tomatoes are chopped either coarsely or in smaller parts. To preserve the diced tomatoes, salt and citric acid may be added, and most brands specify this on their labels. These chemicals keep the chopped pieces solid and, in certain cases, improve the taste.

Diced Tomatoes in Recipes

Diced tomatoes often taste like partially cooked tomatoes, particularly if sealed in tomato juice. Yet, other manufacturers combine fresh and cooked tastes by preserving the pieces in tomato puree. Diced tomatoes, regardless of the variety, are typically used in dishes where pieces of tomato are visible. They’re also great for foods that need to stew for a long time to mix the flavors.

Diced tomatoes are a prominent ingredient in both Italian and American cuisine. Several recipes that employ diced tomatoes may be found around you, and some common ones are as follows:

• Sauces
• Lasagna
• Ground beef cooked slowly
• Gnocchi
• Shakshuka
• Beans that have been baked
• Soups
• Bolognese
• Toast with beans
• Tacos
• Manicotti
• Curries
• Chicken braised
• Dishes with vegetables
• Cacciatore chicken
• Chili
• Seafood
• Tortellini with tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Cassoulet de porc
• Greens in the Instant Pot
• Casseroles
• Meatballs
• Pasta
• Grilled tomato with cheese
• Fish baked in the oven
• Baked enchiladas
• Cioppino
• grilled lamb chops
• Jambalaya
• Dips
• Baked chicken
• Stews
• Salsa
• Pizza
• Macaroni and cheese

Dice Tomatoes Substitutes

In an emergency, you may not have a can of sliced tomatoes on hand. Maybe you’re not a fan of the extra preservatives listed on the label. This is a typical cause why brands of chopped tomatoes include calcium chloride. This salt-like ingredient is mostly used to keep chopped bits solid in juice or purée.

However, with a few modifications, you can use most tomato-based culinary items.

Peeled Tomatoes

Whole peeled tomatoes are the next best thing if you want to keep your alternative closer to the taste of canned tomatoes. They are made similarly to diced tomatoes, except that they are preserved whole in tomato juice. While utilizing this method, you must remove the core and seeds before dicing the tomatoes. And you must incorporate the can liquid to keep the consistency similar to canned chopped tomatoes. In every dish, replace a quarter of chopped whole peeled tomatoes.

Fresh Tomatoes

If you have fresh Roma or San Marzano tomatoes on hand, cut them up for your dish. Fresh tomatoes save time in a hurry and provide the most recent taste of tomatoes in your dish. Moreover, the fluid obtained when you cut the fresh tomatoes might mimic that found in sealed products. In your cooking, substitute two cups of chopped fresh tomatoes for one cup of canned diced tomatoes. In addition, chopped fresh tomatoes work well in any dish.

Tomato Juice

Use tomato juice in place of chopped tomatoes if you have a bottle or carton on hand. Tomato juice, on the other hand, has a more fluid consistency, so keep that in mind. Moreover, although it may not have as big bits as chopped tomatoes, it will still provide flavor and body to the dish. Moreover, some tomato juice products include salt, while others may contain extra spices such as garlic or onion powder. Take this into consideration and adjust the seasoning appropriately. Tomato juice is an excellent replacement for braises and broths, and it aids in the tenderization of meat, fish, and fowl.

Tomato Puree

Tomato puree is a great alternative for chopped tomatoes in stews, sauces, and other slow-cooked dishes. The tomatoes are prepared for processing in the same way as peeled tomatoes are; they are steamed so that the skin may be removed. The tomatoes, on the other hand, are boiled until the moisture is decreased and then filtered to remove the seeds. They are then pureed and preserved in airtight jars or cans. As opposed to chopped tomatoes, tomato puree has a more cooked flavor. They’re also an excellent choice for pizza toppings, chili, and salsa.

Check the label for additives before using tomato puree, since some types have extra salt and sugar. If it does, make adjustments to the spice in your dish to balance the taste. You’ll also need to add tomato puree sooner than the recipe calls for chopped tomatoes. This modification is necessary because tomato puree requires more time to simmer.

Tomato Paste

This chopped tomato alternative is quick, easy, and inexpensive. Tomato paste is one of the most ubiquitous tomato-based items present in every home. It’s a great time saving since you’re likely to have a can or tube in your pantry. It’s also made using tomato paste and chopped tomatoes, giving it a rich, concentrated flavor.

Tomato paste complements recipes that call for chopped tomatoes as a thickening ingredient. As a result, it is an excellent addition to sauces and stews such as bolognese and marinara. Additionally, since tomato paste has a stronger taste, use less of it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use tomato sauce instead of diced tomato in chili?

You certainly can. To substitute chopped tomatoes, use the same amount of tomato sauce as you would tomato juice.

What’s the difference between crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes?

Crushed and diced tomatoes are both tomato pieces kept in juice. Nevertheless, diced tomatoes are bigger bits that are usually preserved in tomato juice rather than puree. Crushed tomatoes, on the other hand, are tiny portions of diced tomatoes that are virtually entirely kept in tomato puree or paste.

Can I puree diced tomatoes to make tomato sauce?

You certainly can. This is also why tomato sauce may be used in place of chopped tomato, chili, and marinara. While pureeing chopped tomatoes to make tomato sauce, take care not to let it get entirely smooth.

Conclusion

Most tomato-based items may readily be substituted for diced tomatoes in any recipe. And you may choose from any of these alternatives to accomplish such a transfer. Although you may notice a variation in thickness with certain alternatives, they will nonetheless provide you with an attractive consistency and taste. Moreover, these substitutes will provide the rich tomato flavor typical of recipes that contain diced tomatoes.