Updated on April 30th, 2023
I’ll cut to the chase: The best pureed tomato substitute is tomato sauce. But you could probably guess that answer on your own. Read on to learn why tomato sauce substitutes so well for pureed tomato aka tomato puree — plus four other subs you can use if you don’t have tomato sauce either.
5 pureed tomato substitutes
1. Tomato sauce
Tomato sauce works well as a stand-in for tomato pureed because it has a similar consistency and flavor. For best results, choose a tomato sauce with as few ingredients as possible. Pureed tomato, canned or fresh, usually consists of tomatoes only. Tomato sauce is usually pureed tomatoes plus sodium and seasonings.
- WHAT’S INSIDE: One 15-ounce can of Tomato Sauce
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You can substitute tomato sauce directly for pureed tomatoes, in the same measurement. If the sauce you’re using has other ingredients, you may need less salt and seasonings in your recipe.
2. Tomato paste
Tomato paste can make a good pureed tomato substitute, with one easy adjustment: You must dilute it with water. Tomato paste, like pureed tomato, is also made from cooked tomatoes. But the paste form is cooked longer so that much of the water evaporates. The result is a thicker, redder, more concentrated sauce.
- One 6-ounce can of Tomato Paste
- Packaging may vary, but the product is exactly the same.
Most tomato paste also contains citric acid, which can add a slightly sour flavor.
To adjust for that difference in texture and flavor, first dilute the tomato paste with 2 parts water and a pinch of sugar to taste. So, if you need 1 ½ cups of tomato puree, use ½ cup tomato paste, 1 cup water, and a bit of sugar instead. You can go with less water for a richer tomato flavor, or more water for lesser flavor.
3. Crushed tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes are also a workable substitute, especially if you are making a chunky sauce or soup. Canned crushed tomatoes usually contain tomato puree, tomato chunks, salt, and citric acid.
- WHAT’S INSIDE: One 28-ounce can of Crushed Tomatoes in Purée
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If the tomato chunks don’t bother you or alter the desired texture of your dish, you can swap in crushed tomatoes in a 1:1 ratio for the puree. Alternatively, you can take a hand blender to your crushed tomatoes — which will eliminate the chunkiness.
4. Homemade puree from fresh tomatoes
If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can make a puree. Fresh-made puree will have a truer flavor than canned.
To make tomato puree, blanch your tomatoes boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove them from the water using a slotted spoon. When they’re cool enough to handle, peel off the skin. Then blend them in a food processor. And you’re done — you just made pureed tomatoes.
5. Red bell pepper puree
Here’s a twist. If your recipe only uses a small amount of pureed tomato, you could use red bell pepper puree instead.
To make a pepper puree, cut the peppers in half, remove the seeds, and roast them in the oven. The peppers will get soft and possibly a bit charred on the outside. Blend them in a food processor until smooth.
Start with half the recommended amount and then add more to taste. You may need to adjust the flavor with salt, sugar, or vinegar.
FAQs about substituting for pureed tomato
What is tomato puree?
Tomato puree is a thick, smooth liquid made by cooking and straining tomatoes. You typically buy it in canned form and it’s a common base ingredient for sauces, soups, stews, and other dishes.
What are some good substitutes for tomato puree?
Good pureed tomato substitutes are tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, fresh tomatoes (to make your own puree), or pureed roasted red peppers. Each of these substitutes has a slightly different flavor and texture, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients in your recipe to balance out the flavors.
Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of tomato puree?
Yes, you can use canned tomato sauce as a substitute for tomato puree. Tomato sauce is similar in texture and flavor to tomato puree, but it may be slightly thinner. If you’re using tomato sauce as a substitute, you may need to cook it down or add a thickener to achieve the desired consistency.
How can I substitute tomato paste for tomato puree?
To substitute tomato paste for tomato puree, you’ll need to dilute it with water. Mix 1 part tomato paste with 1-2 parts water, depending on how thick you want the puree to be. Tomato paste is much more concentrated than tomato puree, so be sure to adjust the amount accordingly.
Can I use ketchup as a substitute for tomato puree?
Yes, you can use ketchup as a substitute for tomato puree. You’ll need to dilute it with water. And, since ketchup contains additional ingredients like sugar and vinegar, you may need to adjust the other seasonings in your recipe to balance out the flavors.
Are there any substitutes for tomato puree that are low in sodium?
The best low-sodium substitute for tomato puree is homemade puree from fresh tomatoes. You can also look for low-sodium canned tomato products, like no-salt-added tomato sauce or diced tomatoes. Additionally, roasted red peppers are a great low-sodium option that can add flavor and depth to your dish.
What recipes use tomato puree?
Recipes that use pureed tomatoes include spaghetti Bolognese, chili, tomato soup, ratatouille, shakshuka, lasagna, and pizza sauce.
Spaghetti Bolognese: A classic Italian dish that combines ground beef, onions, garlic, tomato puree, and herbs like oregano and basil. Served over spaghetti noodles, this dish is a crowd-pleaser and easy to make.
Chili: A hearty and flavorful dish made with ground beef or turkey, beans, onions, peppers, and tomato puree. Spices like chili powder and cumin give it a warm and spicy kick, and it’s perfect for a cozy winter dinner.
Tomato soup: A creamy and comforting soup made with tomato puree, cream, and a touch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. It’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for chilly days.
Ratatouille: A French vegetable stew made with eggplant, zucchini, peppers, onions, garlic, and tomato puree. It’s a delicious vegetarian option that’s packed with flavor and nutrients.
Shakshuka: A Middle Eastern dish made with eggs poached in a tomato puree sauce with onions, peppers, and spices like cumin and paprika. It’s a savory and satisfying breakfast or brunch dish.
Lasagna: A layered Italian dish made with lasagna noodles, ground beef, tomato puree, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Pizza sauce: A classic pizza sauce made with tomato puree, garlic, oregano, and basil. It’s the perfect base for your favorite pizza toppings, and it’s easy to make at home.
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