When substituting canned crushed tomatoes for fresh tomatoes, the biggest thing to keep in mind is adjusting the other flavors in the dish to accommodate the already-seasoned canned tomatoes. The canned tomatoes will bring an additional saltiness, sweetness, and acidity to the dish that you may want to tone down with some additional ingredients.
The first step to substituting canned crushed tomatoes is to drain off any excess liquid. While fresh tomatoes have a high water content that may need to be cooked down or strained out of a sauce, canned crushed tomatoes are often cooked and packaged with some excess liquid that may make a dish too watery.
After draining, taste the canned tomatoes and adjust the spices, seasonings, and other flavors as necessary. You may want to add some additional garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes for additional flavor as needed.
When adjusting other flavors in the dish when substituting canned crushed tomatoes for fresh, make sure to add these flavors in small increments and adjust as needed. Add a bit of sugar if the canned tomatoes are overly acidic, and adjust your use of salt to make sure the overall dish doesn’t end up too salty.
Letting the dish simmer for awhile can help bring the flavors together, and some people like to add a small splash of either red or white vinegar for an extra acidic flavor. Adding a bit of olive oil can also help if things end up tasting too sour or salty.
Can I substitute whole peeled tomatoes for crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute whole peeled tomatoes for crushed tomatoes. To do this, you will need to put the peeled tomatoes in a blender or food processor and process until you get them to the desired consistency.
Alternatively, you can use a potato masher or a sharp knife to cut the tomatoes into smaller pieces. If you are using a blender or food processor, be sure to blend or process the tomatoes in short bursts to prevent them from becoming over-processed.
Crushed tomatoes usually have some of the juice and seeds removed, whereas whole peeled tomatoes are not as processed. Therefore, you may need to drain and discard the extra liquid after processing if your recipe calls for crushed tomatoes.
What is the difference between crushed tomatoes and whole tomatoes?
The main difference between crushed tomatoes and whole tomatoes is the texture. Crushed tomatoes are, as the name implies, crushed into smaller pieces that are much simpler to break apart than a whole, uncut tomato.
The texture of the crushed pieces is much smoother, since they are much more easily breakable, while a whole tomato is generally harder to manage due to its fleshy, uneven surface.
Additionally, crushed tomatoes are generally a better choice for sauces, since they don’t need to be cooked down and broken down as much. Crushed tomatoes will also provide a much more even consistency throughout a dish and require less preparation, since they are pre-cut, making them an ideal choice for sauces, soups and stews.
Whole tomatoes, on the other hand, provide a firmer texture, which is great for salads or pasta dishes where the tomatoes may not need to be cooked or mashed down. They are also a great choice to use as snack tomatoes, since you won’t have to worry about them becoming mushy or losing their shape.
How many fresh tomatoes in 14.5 oz can?
The exact number of fresh tomatoes in 14.5 oz can vary depending on the size of the tomatoes and the can itself. Generally, a 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes will contain about 2-3 cups (about 10-12 ounces) of diced tomatoes.
This would be equivalent to about 3 medium-sized tomatoes depending on the size of the tomatoes. Similarly, a 14.5 oz can of whole tomatoes will contain about 2-3 cups (about 10-12 ounces) of tomatoes, equivalent to 3-4 medium-sized tomatoes.
Therefore, a 14.5 oz can of fresh tomatoes can contain anywhere from 3-4 medium-sized tomatoes.
What can I substitute for fresh tomatoes?
If you don’t have fresh tomatoes available, there are a few substitutes that you can use in their place. One option is canned tomatoes. You can opt for diced, pureed, or crushed tomatoes, depending on the texture that is needed for a recipe.
Make sure to drain the canned tomatoes of their juices if a recipe requires it.
You can also use sun-dried tomatoes in place of fresh tomatoes. Simply reconstitute them in a bit of warm water for a few minutes, then chop them up and add them to the dish. Sun-dried tomatoes can add intense flavor to recipes.
Lastly, some recipes call for tomato paste. This is a thick, concentrated form of tomato that’s great for adding deep flavor. You can purchase tomato paste in cans or tubes. As it’s concentrated, you may need to thin it out with some warm water or a bit of chicken or vegetable broth, depending on the recipe.
How much do 4 tomatoes weigh?
The exact weight of 4 tomatoes can vary depending on the type of tomato and its size. Generally speaking, 4 medium-sized tomatoes will weigh between 450-550 grams or a little over 1 pound. However, if you are using Roma tomatoes, 4 tomatoes will typically weigh around 300-400 grams or 0.7-0.
9 pounds. Additionally, if you are using cherry tomatoes, 4 tomatoes typically weigh around 100-125 grams or 0.2- 0.3 pounds.
How many cups in a standard can of tomatoes?
There are approximately 3.5 cups in a standard 12-ounce can of tomatoes. The actual amount of canned tomatoes you get may vary by the type of tomatoes used (such as diced, crushed, purées, etc. ) and their packing method.
If you measure out a can of diced tomatoes, you can usually get about 2 cups of diced tomatoes. If you measure out a can of crushed tomatoes, you can usually get about 3 cups of crushed tomatoes. The size of the can also affects the amount of tomatoes.
A 15-ounce can of tomatoes may contain around 4 cups or more of tomatoes.
Are canned tomatoes the same as crushed tomatoes?
No, canned tomatoes and crushed tomatoes are not the same. Canned tomatoes usually come peeled and are usually chopped into large chunks or even slices. Crushed tomatoes, on the other hand, come in a sauce-like consistency, with a much thinner texture.
They are often made with a combination of tomato puree, tomato paste, and some type of seasoning. Crushed tomatoes provide a tomato-based sauce that is perfect for dishes such as pasta, pizza, and chili.
Canned tomatoes, on the other hand, have a firmer texture and are usually best for recipes that require longer cooking times. They often make a nice base for soups and sauces, but don’t provide the same thick and flavorful sauce that crushed tomatoes can.
What do you use crushed tomatoes for?
Crushed tomatoes are a great ingredient to have on hand for a variety of uses. One of the most common ways to use them is in pasta sauces! Whether you add them to a basic marinara or whip up something a bit more creative like a pesto or Alfredo sauce, crushed tomatoes are a great and easy way to add warmth and flavor.
They can also be used in soups and chilis, or even as a salsa base. And if you’re looking for something a bit more unexpected, you can use them in ratatouille, lasagna, or as an easy pizza topping. In short, crushed tomatoes are incredibly versatile and give dishes a warm, savory flavor – making them an excellent addition to any pantry.
Are canned tomatoes as good as fresh?
No, fresh tomatoes are generally considered to be of much higher quality than canned tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes provide more nutritive value, as well as fresher, more vibrant flavors and colors. Fresh tomatoes also have a much shorter shelf life than canned tomatoes, so they are the best option for those looking for the freshest tastes.
The canning process can also alter the flavor of the tomatoes, adding more of a metallic taste. Canned tomatoes are a viable option when fresh ones are not available, but fresh ones will always be superior in terms of flavor, texture, and nutritional content.
How do you make store bought tomatoes taste better?
Store-bought tomatoes are often bred for transportability, shelf-life, color, and other common criteria in the commercial tomato industry. As a result, they can sometimes fall short in flavor, compared to locally grown, vine-ripened tomatoes.
To make store-bought tomatoes taste better, try some of the following tips:
• Useful tomatoes quickly after purchase. Tomatoes are best when eaten shortly after being picked, and the same holds true if you buy them from the store. Eat them within a couple of days of purchase, as the flavor and texture quickly diminishes over time.
• Marinade them in vinegar or herbs. Marinading tomatoes in a simple solution of vinegar or herbs can help enhance the flavor. Let the tomatoes rest in the marinade for an hour or so before consuming.
• Roast them in the oven. Roasting tomatoes in the oven can help intensify the flavor. Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to personalize the flavor.
• Use them in grilled dishes. Grilling tomatoes over high heat creates beautiful charring and helps to caramelize their natural sugars, giving them the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor.
• Eat them with other flavorful ingredients. To really give store-bought tomatoes a boost, pair them with strong, flavorful ingredients, like garlic, basil, oregano, onions, or cheese. The other ingredients will help to enhance the flavor of the tomatoes.
What happens if you forgot the lemon juice when canning tomatoes?
If you forget to include lemon juice when canning tomatoes, your canned tomatoes will be at risk of foodborne illnesses caused by botulism bacteria. This is because when canning, the goal is to create an environment that is inhospitable to bacterial growth.
Adding lemon juice lowers the pH of the canned tomatoes, making it a less favorable environment for bacteria to grow. Additionally, lemon juice also contains vitamin C which helps prevent the growth of bacteria.
Therefore, it is important to always include lemon juice when canning tomatoes. Without the addition of lemon juice, the canned tomatoes may contain harmful bacteria and make a person sick if consumed.
It is highly recommended to get rid of any canned tomatoes that are not made with lemon juice to be on the safe side.
How much lemon juice do you add to tomatoes when canning?
When canning tomatoes, it is important to add lemon juice in order to ensure a safe, acidic environment. Generally, for every 1 quart jar of canned tomatoes, 4 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice or 2 tablespoons of citric acid should be added.
If using citric acid, it should be completely dissolved in 1/2 cup of water before being added to the tomatoes. Additionally, 1/2 teaspoon of salt can be added to each quart jar of canned tomatoes. It is important to note that neither lemon juice nor citric acid should be substituted for one another as the acidity level of each is not the same.