Tomato Puree Substitute: Complete Guide to the Best Alternatives for Every Recipe
Discover the best tomato puree substitutes for every cooking need. Learn how to replace tomato puree with tomato paste, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and other alternatives with detailed ratios and cooking tips for perfect results.
Quick Answer
The best tomato puree substitutes are tomato paste + water (1/2 cup paste + 1/2 cup water = 1 cup puree), crushed tomatoes (1:1), or tomato sauce (1:1). For authentic Italian flavor, use passata. For fresh flavor, use diced tomatoes blended smooth.
Best Substitutes
Tomato Paste + Water
1/2 cup paste + 1/2 cup water = 1 cup pureeThis is the most accurate substitute for tomato puree. Tomato paste is essentially concentrated tomato puree, so adding water recreates the exact texture and flavor. This combination provides the same concentrated tomato flavor and thickness as puree.
Best for:
Most accurate substitute, provides identical flavor and thickness
Crushed Tomatoes
1:1Crushed tomatoes work excellently as a tomato puree substitute. They have similar flavor to puree but are slightly chunkier. They're perfect when you don't need perfectly smooth texture and work well in most applications.
Best for:
Similar flavor and texture, slightly chunkier than puree
Tomato Sauce
1:1Tomato sauce is thinner than puree but has similar flavor. It works well when you want a looser consistency or when you're making soups and stews. You can add tomato paste to thicken if needed.
Best for:
Similar flavor but thinner consistency than puree
Passata
1:1Passata is Italian strained tomatoes and is essentially the same as tomato puree. It can be used interchangeably and provides authentic Italian flavor. It's perfect for pasta sauces and other Italian dishes.
Best for:
Italian strained tomatoes, essentially identical to tomato puree
Diced Tomatoes + Blender
1:1Diced tomatoes blended smooth provide the freshest tomato flavor. Use canned diced tomatoes for convenience, or fresh tomatoes when in season. This method gives you the most vibrant, fresh tomato taste.
Best for:
Fresh tomatoes processed to puree consistency
Tomato Juice + Tomato Paste
3/4 cup juice + 1/4 cup paste = 1 cup pureeThis combination allows you to control both the thickness and flavor intensity of your substitute. Tomato juice provides the liquid base while tomato paste adds concentrated flavor and body.
Best for:
Combination that provides both liquid and concentrated tomato flavor
Fresh Tomatoes + Cooking
1 1/2 cups fresh tomatoes = 1 cup pureeFresh tomatoes cooked down provide the freshest, most vibrant flavor. This method takes longer but gives you the best possible tomato taste. Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for optimal results.
Best for:
Fresh tomatoes cooked down to puree consistency
Canned Whole Tomatoes + Blender
1:1Canned whole tomatoes are often higher quality than diced or crushed tomatoes. Blending them smooth creates a puree-like consistency with good flavor. This is a great option when you want quality without the work of fresh tomatoes.
Best for:
Whole tomatoes blended smooth for puree consistency
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
- 💡For the most accurate substitute, use tomato paste + water
- 💡Crushed tomatoes work well when you don't mind some texture
- 💡Passata is perfect for authentic Italian flavor
- 💡Fresh tomatoes provide the best flavor but require more preparation
- 💡Canned whole tomatoes often have better quality than diced or crushed
- 💡Always taste and adjust seasoning when using substitutes
- 💡Consider the final dish when choosing your substitute
- 💡For smooth sauces, blend any chunky substitutes
- 💡For chunky dishes, crushed tomatoes work perfectly
- 💡Store any leftover puree in the refrigerator for up to a week
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best substitute for tomato puree?
The best substitute is tomato paste + water (1/2 cup paste + 1/2 cup water = 1 cup puree). This provides identical flavor and texture. Other good options are crushed tomatoes (1:1) or passata (1:1).
Can I use tomato sauce instead of tomato puree?
Yes, tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for tomato puree, but it's thinner. Use it 1:1, or add tomato paste to thicken it if you need more body.
Can I use tomato paste for tomato puree?
Yes, but you need to dilute it with water. Mix 1/2 cup tomato paste with 1/2 cup water to make 1 cup of tomato puree. Adjust the water amount for your desired consistency.
What's the difference between tomato puree and tomato paste?
Tomato puree is thinner and more liquid than tomato paste. Puree is used as a base for sauces, while paste is used for concentrated flavor. Puree is essentially diluted paste.
Is passata the same as tomato puree?
Yes, passata is essentially the same as tomato puree. It's Italian strained tomatoes and can be used interchangeably in recipes.
Can I use crushed tomatoes instead of tomato puree?
Yes, crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute, but they're slightly chunkier. Use them 1:1, or blend them briefly for smoother texture if needed.
What's the best substitute for tomato puree in pasta sauce?
For pasta sauce, use tomato paste + water (1/2 cup paste + 1/2 cup water = 1 cup puree) or passata for the most authentic flavor. Crushed tomatoes also work well.
Can I make tomato puree from fresh tomatoes?
Yes, cook fresh tomatoes until soft, then blend and strain to remove seeds and skins. Use 1 1/2 cups fresh tomatoes for 1 cup puree. Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
What can I substitute for tomato puree in curry?
For curry, use tomato paste + water (1/2 cup paste + 1/2 cup water = 1 cup puree) or crushed tomatoes. The concentrated flavor works well with spices.
Can I use diced tomatoes for tomato puree?
Yes, blend diced tomatoes until smooth to create a puree-like consistency. Use 1:1 ratio. This works well when you want fresh tomato flavor.
What's the best substitute for tomato puree in soup?
For soup, use tomato sauce (1:1) as it's thinner, or crushed tomatoes if you want some texture. Tomato paste + water also works well for concentrated flavor.
Can I use ketchup as a substitute for tomato puree?
Ketchup can work in a pinch, but it's much sweeter and has added vinegar and spices. Use it sparingly and adjust other seasonings accordingly.
How do I substitute tomato puree for tomato sauce?
To substitute tomato puree for tomato sauce, use it 1:1. The puree is thicker, so you may want to add a bit of water or broth to thin it out.
What's the best substitute for tomato puree in chili?
For chili, use crushed tomatoes (1:1) as they provide good texture, or tomato paste + water for concentrated flavor. Both work well with the other chili ingredients.
Can I use tomato puree instead of tomato paste?
Yes, but you'll need to use more puree since it's thinner. Use about 2 cups of puree for 1 cup of paste, and cook it down to concentrate the flavor.
Summary
Find the best tomato puree substitutes for every recipe. Learn how to replace tomato puree with tomato paste + water, crushed tomatoes, passata, and other alternatives with detailed ratios and cooking tips.