A basic guide to canned tomatoes
Chefs, regardless of their expertise, can elevate their culinary creations with the versatile and convenient solution offered by canned tomatoes, truly establishing them as essential kitchen ingredients. The consistent and rich taste of ripe tomatoes, available year-round, adds a perfect flavor dimension to a variety of dishes. This guide on canned tomatoes delves into their diverse varieties and applications to enhance your culinary repertoire.
Whole peeled tomatoes
Whole tomatoes are versatile. You can break them apart or leave them whole. Thus it helps control the texture of any dish. It can be pureed in a blender or food processor, chopped or diced with a knife, or torn or squeezed by hand. Whole peeled tomatoes don't need a lot of additives to stay firm because they aren't heavily processed.
Diced tomatoes
These are tomatoes that are cut into small pieces. Diced tomatoes are a nice shortcut if you need chopped tomatoes. However, remember that unlike whole tomatoes, where the chemical only acts on the surface, some types of diced tomatoes have an additive to help them keep their shape in cans. Diced tomatoes are used in pasta sauce, stews, and soups.
Crushed tomatoes
Another processed option is crushed tomatoes. They are a mixture of diced tomatoes and tomato paste or puree. In reality, these contain fewer additives than diced. Both chunky and pulpy, crushed tomatoes provide the foundation of many dishes, including stews, pasta sauces, and chilis. It's worth having one because it's convenient to not have to chop or prepare whole tomatoes yourself.
Tomato paste or puree
Mashed, boiled, and spun tomatoes are used to make tomato paste, which is a thick, dark, and intensely delicious concoction. It is among the greatest ingredients for giving many recipes an instant deliciousness boost. Tomato paste is available in tubes as well as cans. Meanwhile, canned tomato puree is made from peeled, filtered, and seed-free tomatoes and then blended to form a velvety-thick consistency.
Tomato sauce
Tomato sauce is thinner than puree and often seasoned with herbs and spices. It is a great base for pasta sauces, curries, or quick marinara. The sauce is considered the least pure form of canned tomatoes. Tomato puree-based sauces are usually superior to those made using tomato paste and water. Always read the labels, to find out what you are getting.
