tomato substitute

Last Updated on August 1, 2023

Looking for a tomato substitute to replace fresh tomatoes when cooking? When it comes to tomato substitutes, there are a few things to consider.

First, what is the purpose of the tomato in the dish? Is it simply for color, or is it adding acidity or sweetness?

Second, what other flavors will be present in the dish? With these factors in mind, here are 12 potential substitutes for tomatoes.

tomato substitute

12 Best Tomato Substitutes

I love fresh tomatoes and often use them in my Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Tomato, Enoki Mushroom, and Tofu soup, or Tomato Avocado Toast.

There are a variety of reasons to consider tomato substitutes.

Perhaps you’re trying to cut down on nightshades, or maybe you’re just out of tomatoes and need a quick fix. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of options available.

1. Canned Tomatoes

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There are many alternatives for fresh tomatoes, especially when they are out of season. Canned tomatoes are a great option among other tomato substitutes and can be used in many recipes.


If you’re looking for a substitute for fresh tomatoes, try canned tomatoes. Canned tomatoes are a great option and can be used in many recipes.

They’re also more affordable than fresh tomatoes, making them a great option when you’re on a budget.

When substituting canned tomatoes for fresh tomatoes, make sure to drain and rinse them before using. This will help to get rid of any excess sodium that can make your dish taste salty.

2. Tomato Paste

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One of the easy substitutes is tomato paste. Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated form of tomato puree that is often used in recipes that call for tomatoes.

There are a few things to consider when substituting for tomato paste. First, think about the consistency that you need. Tomato paste is relatively thick, so you’ll need to add more water to adjust the thickness.

Plus, consider the flavor profile of your dish. Tomato paste is fairly acidic, so you’ll want to add a bit of sugar to it before using it in your recipes.

3. Ketchup (Tomato Sauce)

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Tomato Sauce: If you have tomato sauce on hand, you can thin it out with some water and use it as a stand-in for diced tomatoes or tomato paste. Just be aware that the sauce will likely be much sweeter than tomatoes.

4. Red Bell Pepper

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Red bell peppers have a similar sweetness and can be used in many of the same dishes. Plus, they add a pop of color to your plate.

Here are a few tips for using red bell peppers as a tomato substitute:

  1. Add them to salads in place of tomatoes for a sweet and crunchy addition.
  2. Sauté them with onions and garlic as a base for pasta sauce or soup.
  3. Roast them whole and stuff with your favorite fillings for an easy (and pretty!) weeknight meal.

If you’re looking for something with a little more spice, try using jalapeño peppers or chili peppers. These peppers will add some heat to your dish, so use them sparingly.

You can also try substituting green bell peppers for a milder flavor.

5. Raspberry Sauce (Puree)

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When it comes to finding a tomato substitute, raspberry sauce (puree) is a great option.

It has a similar acidity to tomatoes, making it ideal for use in sauces, soups, and stews. Plus, it’s a great way to add some extra sweetness and flavor to your dishes.

This versatile sauce can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. If you’re looking for a unique way to recreate the recipes that called for tomatoes, try using raspberry sauce the next time.

6. Pumpkin Puree

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When it comes to baking, most people think of pumpkin as a Fall flavor. But did you know that pumpkin can be used as a tomato substitute?

That’s right – pumpkin can be used in place of tomatoes in recipes for chili, soup, and more.

Here are some tips for using pumpkin as a tomato substitute:

  1. When using pumpkin in place of tomatoes, use about 1 cup of pureed pumpkin for every 1 cup of diced tomatoes called for in the recipe.
  2. Pumpkin puree is also a great way to add some extra nutrition to your recipes. Just make sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, and not the kind that’s made with added sugar or spices.
  3. Another way to use pumpkin as a tomato substitute is by roasting it.

7. Tamarind Paste

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Tamarind is commonly used in Indian and Thai cuisine and has a sour, fruity taste. It’s made from the tamarind fruit, which is native to Africa.

To use tamarind paste as a tomato substitute, simply add it to your dish in the same amount that you would use tomatoes.

8. Mango

Mango is a great replacement for fresh tomatoes. It has a similar sweetness to tomatoes, and can be used in place of them 1:1. Just be sure to adjust the other flavors in your dish accordingly.

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For something raw, like in a salad or bruschetta, then look for something with more acidity, cucumber or jicama would be good options.

Or even something like radish or pickled peppers. Again, just adjust the other flavors in your dish to balance things out.

9. Olives

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One of the most popular substitutes is olives. They can be used in both cooked and raw dishes, and they add a nice salty flavor.

You can use any type of olive you like, but green olives tend to work best as a tomato substitute.

10. Balsamic Glaze (Balsamic Vinegar Reduction)

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Balsamic glaze can be used in many different dishes, including salads, pasta, and pizza.

The reason why I prefer balsamic glaze over balsamic vinegar is that it has a thicker consistency and is not watery.

Here are some tips on how to use balsamic glaze as a tomato substitute:

  • Add balsamic glaze to a salad in place of diced tomatoes.
  • Use balsamic glaze as a topping for pasta instead of tomato sauce.
  • Spread balsamic glaze on a pizza crust and top with cheese and other toppings of your choice.

11. Plum

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For some reason, I think plum is a great tomato substitute. It has a similar texture and can be used in all the same ways as tomatoes.

Plus, it’s usually easier to find plums than tomatoes, especially if you live in an area with a short growing season.

So don’t be afraid to experiment with plums the next time you’re looking for a tomato substitute. You might be pleasantly surprised by the results!

12. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

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This small, green fruit is often used in Indian cuisine and has a sour taste that is similar to that of a green tomato.

Amla is a good source of fiber and iron, and it also contains ellagic acid, which is known for its cancer-preventing properties. So if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to tomatoes, Amla is a great option.

My final suggestion, think about texture when choosing a tomato substitute.

Do you find “tomato substitutes” useful? If you like to see more content like this, please let me know by commenting below.

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tomato substitute

12 Best Substitutes for Fresh Tomatoes (For 2023)

Looking for a tomato substitute to replace fresh tomatoes? There are a few things to consider. First, what is the purpose of the tomato in the dish? Is it simply for color, or is it adding acidity or sweetness? Second, what other flavors will be present in the dish? With these factors in mind, here are 12 potential substitutes for tomatoes.
5 from 10 votes
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Author: SHU-CHUN

Instructions

  • My suggestion, think about texture that you need when choosing a tomato substitute.

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