Tomato Puree Substitutes

Pizza, pasta, soups, chilli, casseroles, marinades, and so many other types of recipes use tomato puree. What to do if you don’t have any or you ran out? You’re in luck! These tomato puree substitutes are easy to find and you might already have at least one of them.

When you fancy cooking pizza or any other comfort food, tomato puree will pop up in your mind. That’s because it’s essential for making many flavorful dishes across different cuisines.

These substitutes will help you create scrumptious meals even if you run out of tomato puree.

Even though tomatoes usually taste sweet, you may sometimes find them too bland or tangy. You may also be after a different texture. If that’s the case, is there a convenient alternative to tomato puree?

You bet! There are several flavorsome alternatives on my list here and not all of them are tomato-based. If you’d like to know how each works, keep reading!

🍅What Is Tomato Puree?

Tomato puree is typically a thick liquid usually made by cooking and straining tomatoes. Its meaty consistency separates it from its peers; tomato sauce and paste.

Although they feel similar, having this sweet and tangy taste, tomato puree is marked by a deeper flavor.

You can probably spot it in the canned goods aisle, whether canned or bottled, while grocery shopping.

📌Overview Of Tomato Puree Substitutes

Substitute	Instructions	Notes
Fresh Tomatoes	1-1/2 Lbs. fresh tomatoes = 2 Cups of tomato puree	Add a pinch of salt and optionally sugar.
Crushed Tomatoes	2 Cups crushed tomatoes = 1 Cup of tomato puree
Tomato Sauce	1 Cup of reduced tomato sauce = 1 Cup of tomato puree
Tomato Paste	1/3 Cup tomato paste + 2/3 cups water = 1 Cup of tomato puree
Canned Whole Tomatoes	1 Cup canned tomatoes = 1 Cup tomato puree
Pizza Sauce	1 Cup pizza sauce = 1 Cup of tomato puree	Adjust salt and seasonings.
Marinara Sauce	1 Cup marinara sauce = 1 Cup of tomato puree	Adjust salt and seasonings.
Pasta Sauce	1 Cup pasta sauce = 1 Cup of tomato puree	Adjust salt and seasonings.
Roasted Tomatoes	1 Cup roasted tomatoes = 1 Cup of tomato puree	Add a pinch of salt if needed.
Rotel Tomatoes	2 Cups Rotel tomatoes = 1 Cup of tomato puree	Adjust salt and seasonings. Best for spicy dishes
Tomato Passata	1/2 Cup passata + 1/2 Cups water = 1 Cup of tomato puree	Adjust salt and seasonings.
Tomato Ketchup	1 Cup of ketchup = 1 Cup of tomato puree	Adjust salt and seasonings. Best in small quantities.
V8 Juice	1 Cup of V8 juice = 1 Cup of tomato puree	Adjust salt and seasonings. Works only for some recipes.
Carrot Puree	1 Cup of carrot puree = 1 Cup of tomato puree	Add a dash of vinegar to the puree.
Red Bell Pepper	1 Cup of red bell pepper puree = 1 Cup of tomato puree	Add a dash of vinegar to the puree. Works only for some recipes.

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🔗15 Best Tomato Puree Substitutes

Fresh Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes may seem the most obvious substitute or the easiest to get hold of. Plus, they’re definitely the most affordable option. 

However, you’ve got little work to get them ready for your recipe.

Peeling the tomatoes is crucial since tomato skins might be too tough, which may ruin the smooth texture of your sauce.

Besides, the seasoning flavor is better infused into skinless tomatoes. Full instructions are below, so keep reading!

Crushed Tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes make a chunkier tomato puree replacement. They’re prepared by peeling and seeding the tomatoes and then crushing them.

For the right consistency, replace one cup of tomato puree with two cups of crushed tomatoes. You can buy them canned and still get a nice fresh taste.

Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is basically tomato puree with added ingredients, such as thyme, olives, mushrooms, onions, and garlic.

So, to choose the best substitute, look for the ones labeled ‘original’ or ‘classic’. Those would contain only the basic sauce seasonings, and the flavor won’t differ greatly from that of the tomato puree.

Tomato sauce could be a little more watery than tomato puree. Before you measure your portions, just simmer on low heat for a few minutes until the excess water has vaporized.

Tomato Paste

Most types of tomato puree are made of tomato paste and water.

To get the same texture, mix 1/3 cup of tomato paste with 2/3 cups of water. It would be hard to tell the difference.

Canned Whole Tomatoes

These canned tomatoes are a ‘whole’ version of tomato puree. If you toss them in the food processor, your job is done!

For the best results, go for the peeled ones or remove the peels before processing.

Pizza Sauce

If you’re craving pasta with an Italian twist, pizza sauce is the answer. Pizza sauces are distinctively flavored with herbs and garlic.

It works well with pasta, and any pizza-inspired dish whereas it may overwhelm your tomato soup.

It’s a good idea to ensure you got the right flavor.

Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce is pretty similar to pizza sauce. As a result, keep in mind the Italian herbs to adjust your seasonings accordingly.

Pasta Sauce

If you already have pasta sauce, you won’t have to dash to the supermarket to get tomato puree. However, to avoid strong-flavored types, make sure you get the classic-style sauce.

Pasta sauce has a texture comparable to tomato puree, making it an unquestionably suitable replacement.

Roasted Tomatoes

This is an amazing choice if you have time on your side. Roasting your tomatoes in the oven, and blending them, will guarantee a rich and concentrated flavor. 

This makes them an ideal substitute for tomato basil soup or sausage pasta.

You can manipulate the taste by dashing some thyme or garlic on the tomatoes before roasting them. 

Rotel Tomatoes

Would you like a spiced-up alternative? Rotel tomatoes are seasoned with green chilies, garlic, and onions. 

Because green chilies are tangy and moderately spicy, this type of tomato can save you some time and effort while cooking a spicy dish.

Substitute Rotel tomatoes for tomato puree in a 2:1 ratio.

Tomato Passata

While very similar to tomato puree, passata is a bit thicker. Mix 1/2 cup of passata with 1/2 cups of water to replace one cup of tomato puree.

Passata is a good alternative because it’s made of pure tomatoes with no additives.

Tomato Ketchup

So you’re in a hurry and just need a minimal amount of tomato puree? Tomato ketchup can save the day! 

Remember that ketchup is sweeter and tangier than tomato puree. Therefore, try to use it wisely when appropriate.

V8 Juice

V8 juice is a kind of vegetable juice where tomatoes are among the main ingredients. It also contains carrots, beets, parsley, celery, lettuce, watercress, and spinach.

Some may say V8 Juice isn’t exactly a replacement, though it works just fine for fiery recipes in a 1:1 ratio.

If you give it a try, with your creamy Bolognese with zucchini or beef and vegetable stew, you won’t regret it.

In addition, it’s a perfect alternative to making alcohol-free Bloody Mary.

Carrot Puree 

If you need a quick tomato puree replacement for your rice, carrot puree will give you the sweetness you’re looking for. 

It’s a healthier choice if you suffer from acid reflux and need to avoid heartburn.

Cook the carrots through and then puree with a dash of vinegar for a stronger taste.

Red Bell Pepper

If you want to leave out tomatoes, red bell pepper is a flavorsome substitute for tomato puree.

Red bell pepper is similarly sweet but not as acidic. So, you may add a few drops of vinegar to enhance the flavor.

Just like Romesco sauce, you can puree some roasted red capsicum with garlic and olive oil. It perfectly pairs with grilled meat, chicken, and veggies as well.

🥣How to Make Your Own Tomato Puree

Making a replacement for canned tomato puree isn’t rocket science. Here are instructions for two easy alternatives; fresh tomatoes and roasted tomatoes!

Tomato Puree From Fresh Tomatoes

You’ll need 1-1/2 lbs. fresh tomatoes for 2 cups of tomato puree. Feel free to scale up the quantity if your recipe calls for more tomato puree.

• Cut the tomatoes in half and take out the pulp and seeds.
• Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil.
• Add the tomatoes and boil them over medium heat for 10 minutes or until they’re soft.
• Using a slotted spoon, remove the tomatoes and allow them to cool a bit. To speed things up, you can place them in a bowl of cold water.
• Remove the peel from the tomatoes.
• Place them in a blender or food processor with a dash of salt and puree them until smooth.

Tomato Puree From Roasted Tomatoes

For tomatoes bursting with intense flavor, roasting them would be the way to go.

• Preheat your oven to 425 or 450°F.
• Then, cut your tomatoes into two halves or quarters. It’s best to use small tomatoes to halve them and be done quickly.
• In a large bowl, mix the halved tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Arrange the tomatoes on a baking pan with the flesh facing up.
• Finally, roast them for half an hour until they’re tender enough for you.
• Once they cool a bit, remove the skins.
• Puree your roasted tomatoes in a blender or food processor.

All of your substitutes needs all in one handy reference spot! Comprehensive list substitutes here or to print off for your own menu binder. You to find an ingredient option that will allow you to not run out to the store or you may find a flavor combination you love even better than the original. Garlic Powder Substitute, Cojita Cheese Substitute, Parsley Substitute, Green Chilis Substitute, Italian Seasoning Substitute, Mustard Seed Substitute, Cilantro Substitute, Sriracha Substitute, White Pepper Substitute, Onion Powder Substitute, Five Spice Substitute, Turmeric Substitutes, White Wine Vinegar, Cardamon Substitute, Parsley Substitute, Cremini Mushroom Substitute, Egg Yolk, Leeks, Egg Wash, Coconut Cream, Tomato, Stewed Tomatoes, Coconut Sugar, Palm Sugar, Hoisin, Adobo, Chili Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Escarole, Watercress, Rice Wine Vinegar, Ketchup, Tomato Puree, Tomato Paste, Lemongrass, Chervil, Cheesecloth, Worcestershire Sauce, Fennel, Dark Soy Sauce.

🍳Recipes with Tomato Puree 

Instant Pot Tomato Florentine Soup – This creamy and sweet recipe makes for a hearty comfort meal that’s worth your time.

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce – I love this chunky spaghetti sauce with fire-roasted tomatoes. However, you can use fresh tomatoes and tomato purée if you’re running short of time.

Air Fryer Ravioli With Homemade Marinara – I usually use tomato sauce to prepare my homemade Marinara. However, you may use tomato puree and adjust your seasonings consequently.

Easy Instant Pot Spanish Rice – For this effortleess “dump and go” recipe I used stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, and ketchup and it really is a wonderful way to feed a crowd.

Feel free to substitute the stewed tomatoes and tomato paste with tomato puree if that’s what you have on hand.

Puerto Rican Style Beans – If you’re a fan of beans like me, you absolutely need to try this recipe! You’ll get the perfect texture using tomato sauce and tomato puree has a similar consistency.

To achieve a rich flavor, you will need to add the missing seasonings and veggies to your tomato puree and it’s totally worth it!

Egg Toast Pizza – No worries if you don’t have any pizza sauce on hand for this quick breakfast idea. You can use tomato puree and season it to your liking.

❓F.A.Q.

🍴The Takeaway

If you need a good tomato puree substitute, you don’t have to search anymore. You can easily go through this extensive list and make your choice. 

Crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste make the best substitutes for pasta and creamy dishes. Passata, ketchup, and red bell pepper are palatable choices for pizzas and dips.

You can always resort to using crushed tomatoes to enrich your casseroles, stews, and soups.