🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Tomato Puree Substitutes: Complete Guide

Find the best substitutes for tomato puree including tomato sauce, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and more. Learn proper ratios, conversions, and when to use each substitute for perfect results.

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Quick Answer

The best tomato puree substitutes are tomato sauce (1:1), tomato paste diluted with water (1:2 ratio), crushed tomatoes (1:1), or diced tomatoes (1:1). For smooth consistency, use tomato sauce. For chunky texture, use crushed or diced tomatoes.

Best Substitutes

Tomato Sauce

1:1

Smooth, liquid tomato product that works well when you need similar flavor but don't need the thick consistency of puree. Made from pureed tomatoes, often with added seasonings.

Best for:

soupsstewspasta sauceschiliwhen you want smooth consistencyquick cooking

Tomato sauce is thinner than puree, so it works best in recipes where you don't need the thickening power of puree. May need to reduce cooking time or add thickener.

Tomato Paste + Water

1:2 (1 part paste to 2 parts water)

Concentrated tomato paste diluted with water to achieve similar consistency. Provides intense tomato flavor and can be adjusted to desired thickness.

Best for:

saucessoupsstewswhen you want intense flavoremergency substitute

Mix 1 tablespoon tomato paste with 2 tablespoons water to equal about 3 tablespoons tomato puree. Adjust water amount based on desired consistency.

Crushed Tomatoes

1:1

Chunky tomato product that provides similar flavor with more texture. Made from crushed tomatoes, often with added seasonings. Good for recipes where texture isn't critical.

Best for:

chilisoupsstewswhen you want chunky texturepasta sauces

Crushed tomatoes have more texture than puree. May need to puree or cook longer to achieve smooth consistency. Often more affordable than puree.

Diced Tomatoes

1:1

Chunky tomato product that provides similar flavor with more texture. Made from diced tomatoes, often with added seasonings. Good for recipes where texture isn't critical.

Best for:

chilisoupsstewswhen you want chunky texturecasseroles

Diced tomatoes have more texture than puree. May need to puree or cook longer to achieve smooth consistency. Often more affordable than puree.

Fresh Tomatoes

1:2 (1 cup puree = 2 cups fresh tomatoes)

Fresh tomatoes that provide the most authentic flavor. Best choice when you have access to good quality fresh tomatoes. Requires more preparation.

Best for:

when you want fresh flavorsummer cookingwhen you have good fresh tomatoesall recipes

Use ripe, firm tomatoes. Peel, seed, and puree before using. May need to reduce to achieve puree-like consistency. Provides the most authentic flavor.

Marinara Sauce

1:1

Seasoned tomato sauce that provides similar flavor with added herbs and spices. Often contains basil, oregano, and garlic. Good for Italian-style dishes.

Best for:

pasta saucesItalian disheswhen you want seasoned flavorpizza sauce

Marinara sauce contains added seasonings. Adjust other herbs and spices in recipe accordingly. Often more flavorful than plain tomato puree.

Stewed Tomatoes

1:1

Canned tomatoes that have been cooked with seasonings. Similar to tomato puree but often with added herbs and spices. May need to drain excess liquid.

Best for:

soupsstewscasseroleswhen you want seasoned tomatoes

Stewed tomatoes often contain added seasonings like basil and oregano. Drain excess liquid before using. May need to adjust other seasonings in recipe.

Tomato Juice

1:1

Liquid tomato product that provides similar flavor but thinner consistency. Made from pureed tomatoes. Good for when you need liquid consistency.

Best for:

soupsstewswhen you want liquid consistencydrinksquick recipes

Tomato juice is thinner than puree. May need to reduce or add thickener to achieve puree-like consistency. Often contains added salt.

Ketchup

1:1

Sweetened tomato condiment that provides tomato flavor with added sweetness and tang. Contains vinegar, sugar, and spices that can enhance or change the flavor profile.

Best for:

saucesmarinadeswhen you want sweetnessquick recipesemergency substitute

Ketchup adds sweetness and tang to dishes. Reduce sugar in recipe if using ketchup. Works well in barbecue sauces and sweet-sour dishes.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For 14 oz cans of tomato puree, use 1.75 cups of substitute (14 oz = 1.75 cups)
  • 💡For 28 oz cans, use 3.5 cups of substitute (28 oz = 3.5 cups)
  • 💡When using tomato paste as substitute, mix with water first: 1 tbsp paste + 2 tbsp water = 3 tbsp puree
  • 💡For concentrated flavor, use tomato paste diluted with water (1:2 ratio)
  • 💡Fresh tomatoes need to be peeled and seeded - blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then peel
  • 💡If using crushed or diced tomatoes, puree them first for smooth consistency
  • 💡For emergency situations, use ketchup (1:1 ratio) though this adds sweetness and tang
  • 💡When substituting with tomato sauce, you may need to reduce to achieve puree-like consistency
  • 💡For Italian-style dishes, marinara sauce works well and adds authentic flavor
  • 💡Tomato juice is much thinner - reduce by half or add thickener for puree-like consistency
  • 💡Stewed tomatoes often contain added seasonings - taste before adding other herbs and spices
  • 💡For best results, taste and adjust seasonings after substituting

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Find the best substitutes for tomato puree including tomato sauce, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and more. Learn proper ratios, conversions, and when to use each substitute for perfect results.