What's the Best Substitute for Tomato Puree?
Whether you're out of Tomato Puree or looking for a healthier alternative, finding the right substitute can save your recipe. A thick, smooth tomato product made by cooking and straining tomatoes, used as a base for sauces and soups In this guide, we'll explore the best substitutes that work in most recipes and help you achieve similar results.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for tomato puree are tomato paste + water, crushed tomatoes, or tomato sauce. For 1 cup puree, use 1/2 cup tomato paste + 1/2 cup water.
Best Substitutes for Tomato Puree
Tomato Paste + Water
Ratio
1 cup puree = 1/2 cup paste + 1/2 cup water
Best For
- sauces
- soups
- stews
- curries
- when you need concentrated tomato flavor
Description
The most accurate substitute, providing the same concentrated tomato flavor and thickness
This combination provides the closest match to tomato puree in both flavor and texture. Adjust water amount for desired consistency.
Crushed Tomatoes
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- sauces
- soups
- stews
- when you don't mind some texture
Description
Similar texture and flavor, though slightly chunkier than puree
Crushed tomatoes work well when you don't need perfectly smooth texture. They have similar flavor to puree.
Tomato Sauce
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- soups
- stews
- when you want thinner consistency
- quick sauces
Description
Similar flavor but thinner consistency than puree
Tomato sauce is thinner than puree, so it works well when you want a looser consistency. Add tomato paste if you need more thickness.
Diced Tomatoes + Blender
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- fresh sauces
- when you want fresh tomato flavor
- soups
- stews
Description
Fresh tomatoes processed to puree consistency
This provides the freshest tomato flavor. Use canned diced tomatoes for convenience, or fresh tomatoes when in season.
Tomato Juice + Tomato Paste
Ratio
3/4 cup juice + 1/4 cup paste = 1 cup puree
Best For
- sauces
- soups
- when you need specific consistency
- marinades
Description
Combination that provides both liquid and concentrated tomato flavor
This combination allows you to control both the thickness and flavor intensity of your substitute.
Passata
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- Italian sauces
- pasta sauces
- pizza sauces
- when you want authentic Italian flavor
Description
Italian strained tomatoes, very similar to tomato puree
Passata is essentially the same as tomato puree and can be used interchangeably. It's popular in Italian cooking.
Fresh Tomatoes + Cooking
Ratio
1 1/2 cups fresh tomatoes = 1 cup puree
Best For
- when you want fresh flavor
- seasonal cooking
- when you have excess tomatoes
Description
Fresh tomatoes cooked down to puree consistency
This method takes longer but provides the freshest flavor. Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for best results.
How to Choose the Right Substitute
When choosing a substitute for Tomato Puree, consider the recipe's requirements for taste, texture, and cooking method. Think about whether you need something that mimics the original exactly or if a different but complementary flavor would work. Also consider dietary restrictions and availability of ingredients.
What is Tomato Puree?
Tomato Puree is A thick, smooth tomato product made by cooking and straining tomatoes, used as a base for sauces and soups
Cooking Tips
Tomato puree is thicker than tomato sauce but thinner than tomato paste
It's made by cooking tomatoes and straining out seeds and skins
Puree provides concentrated tomato flavor without the texture of diced tomatoes
It's perfect as a base for pasta sauces, soups, and stews
Tomato puree can be made at home by blending and straining fresh tomatoes
It's a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes
Puree works well in both hot and cold preparations
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage
Tomato puree is essential in many Italian and Mediterranean dishes
It provides a smooth, rich base for curries and other spiced dishes
Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes
Consider the cooking method - some substitutes work better in certain applications
Frequently Asked Questions
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