by Tomatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables used in cooking. While fresh tomatoes are best during the summer months, canned tomatoes provide an excellent alternative during the rest of the year. Canned tomatoes offer convenience and consistency of flavor. With some basic preparation methods, canned tomatoes can be used to create a variety of tasty dishes.
Origins and Production
Canned tomatoes originate from various regions around the world where fresh tomatoes are grown. The major producers of canned tomatoes include the United States, Italy, China, Turkey and India. Once harvested, tomatoes are rinsed, peeled, cored and packed into cans or pouches. They are then heated to high temperatures to kill bacteria and preserve the food without refrigeration. This processing allows canned tomatoes to be stored for 1-2 years.
Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Whole peeled tomatoes are canned whole with their skins and seeds removed. They retain their shape well and are great for recipes like pasta sauces where you want identifiable pieces of tomato. Chopped or diced tomatoes are also sometimes categorized as whole peeled tomatoes.
Crushed Tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes are essentially peeled, cored whole tomatoes that have been crushed or mashed. They have a smoother texture than whole peeled tomatoes and are a good all-purpose option for sauces, soups and stews where a smooth consistency is preferred. Crushed tomatoes without added seasonings are a staple pantry item.
Tomato Puree
Tomato puree is made by cooking crushed tomatoes further until it achieves a very thick, paste-like consistency. It has a intense tomato flavor concentrated without chunks or skins. Tomato puree adds rich flavor and body to dishes and is commonly used in pizza sauce recipes.
Tomato Sauce
Canned tomato sauce starts with crushed or diced tomatoes which are cooked with spices, herbs, flavors and sometimes vegetables. It has a thicker sauce-like texture ready to use straight out of the can. Pasta sauces, cooking sauces and pizza sauces commonly use tomato sauce.
Preparing Canned Tomatoes
While canned tomatoes are perfectly fine to use straight out of the can for many recipes, some simple preparation steps can improve their texture and flavor:
– Drain liquid – For recipes where a thinner consistency is not needed, drain excess liquid from canned tomatoes before using. This helps reduce acidity.
– Crush tomatoes – Gently crushing or mashing whole peeled or diced tomatoes with a fork or potato masher makes the texture smoother for blending into dishes.
– Sauté – Quickly sautéing drained or crushed canned tomatoes in olive oil enhances their sweetness and cooks off any “canned” flavor. Add minced garlic for extra flavor.
– Seasonings – Fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, onions, bell peppers or other aromatics added to sautéed canned tomatoes brightens flavors.
– Blend – For ultrasmooth sauces, blend canned tomatoes using an immersion blender or regular blender until fully pureed.
Ways to Use Canned Tomatoes
Once properly prepared from the can, canned tomatoes can be incorporated into a variety of dishes:
Pasta Sauces – The most classic use of crushed or diced tomatoes is for quick pasta sauces. Sauté fresh herbs and seasonings with the tomatoes then toss with cooked pasta.
Chilis and Soups – Crushed or diced tomatoes add body and brightness to chili recipes. They also make vegetable or bean soups heartier.
Curries – Tomatoes pair beautifully with Indian spice blends in curries. Crushed tomatoes allow curries to develop richness and complexity during cooking.
Stir Fries – Diced or crushed tomatoes stirred into sautéed veggies and proteins like chicken or shrimp adds acidity and moisture to stir fries.
Pizza – Tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes are essential pizza toppings that meld with melted cheese.
Salsa – Finely diced canned tomatoes can replace fresh tomatoes in pico de gallo or salsa recipes when tomatoes are out of season.
The Versatility of Canned Tomatoes
In conclusion, canned tomatoes are an indispensable pantry staple. Their versatility allows them to transform everyday dishes from basic to boldly flavored. Canned tomatoes ensure delicious home cooking can continue year-round thanks to their convenience and flavor density. With somesimple preparation methods, canned tomatoes offer solutions for perfect sauces, soups, curries and more.
