How To Choose: Tomato Sauce Vs Crushed Tomatoes – Tips And Tricks

When it comes to cooking, two of the most common ingredients you’ll use are tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. While they may seem similar, there are actually some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at tomato sauce vs crushed tomatoes so you can decide which one is best for your next recipe.

What is Tomato Sauce?

1. Definition: Tomato sauce is a cooked sauce made from tomatoes, typically with other ingredients such as onions, garlic, and herbs. It can be used as a base for many different dishes, such as pasta, pizza, and stews.

2. Consistency: Tomato sauce is typically smooth and creamy, with a rich red color. It can be made with fresh or canned tomatoes, and it can be seasoned to taste with salt, pepper, and other herbs.

3. Uses: Tomato sauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s a great way to add flavor and depth to pasta, pizza, and stews. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for appetizers or as a marinade for meats.

What are Crushed Tomatoes?

1. Definition: Crushed tomatoes are simply tomatoes that have been crushed into small pieces. They are typically canned, and they can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pasta, pizza, and stews.

2. Consistency: Crushed tomatoes have a more rustic texture than tomato sauce. They are not as smooth, and they may contain small pieces of tomato skin or seeds.

3. Uses: Crushed tomatoes are a good option for dishes where you want a more rustic texture. They are often used in pasta sauces and stews. They can also be used as a topping for pizza or as a salsa ingredient.

When to Use Tomato Sauce vs Crushed Tomatoes

The best way to decide which one to use is to consider the dish you are making. If you want a smooth and creamy sauce, then tomato sauce is a good option. If you want a more rustic texture, then crushed tomatoes are a better choice.

1. Tomato Sauce:

• Pasta
• Pizza
• Stews
• Dipping sauce
• Marinade

2. Crushed Tomatoes:

• Pasta
• Pizza
• Stews
• Chili
• Soups

How to Make Tomato Sauce

1. Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 pounds fresh tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf

2. Instructions:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
• Add the tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil, thyme, and bay leaf.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the sauce has reached your desired thickness.
• Remove the bay leaf and serve.

How to Make Crushed Tomatoes

1. Ingredients:

• 3 pounds fresh tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2. Instructions:

• Cut the tomatoes into quarters.
• Place the tomatoes in a food processor and pulse until they are crushed.
• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the sauce has reached your desired thickness.
• Serve.

Tips for Using Tomato Sauce and Crushed Tomatoes

• When using canned tomato sauce, be sure to drain it before using it. This will help to remove excess water and salt.
• You can add a variety of ingredients to tomato sauce to customize it to your taste. Some popular additions include onions, garlic, herbs, and spices.
• Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce in many recipes. However, you may need to add additional seasonings to taste.

The Best Brands of Tomato Sauce and Crushed Tomatoes

There are many different brands of tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes available. Some of the most popular brands include:

• Rao’s Homemade Tomato Sauce: This brand is known for its rich flavor and high-quality ingredients.
• Cento San Marzano Tomatoes: These tomatoes are grown in the San Marzano region of Italy, which is known for producing some of the best tomatoes in the world.
• Mutti Crushed Tomatoes: This brand offers a variety of crushed tomato products, including whole peeled tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato puree.
• Hunt’s Tomato Sauce: This brand is a good budget-friendly option. It is available in a variety of flavors, including traditional, spicy, and garlic and herb.

Alternatives to Tomato Sauce and Crushed Tomatoes

If you don’t have tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes on hand, there are a few other ingredients you can use to make a similar sauce. These include:

• Salsa: This is a Mexican sauce made from tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers. It can be used as a dipping sauce or as a base for cooking.
• Passata: This is an Italian sauce made from pureed tomatoes. It is often used as a base for pasta sauces and pizzas.
• Tomatoes: You can simply use fresh or canned tomatoes to make your own sauce. This is a great way to use up over ripe tomatoes.

What People Want to Know

1. What is the difference between tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes?

• Tomato sauce is a cooked sauce made from tomatoes, typically with other ingredients such as onions, garlic, and herbs. Crushed tomatoes are simply tomatoes that have been crushed into small pieces.

2. When should I use tomato sauce vs crushed tomatoes?

• Tomato sauce is a good option for dishes where you want a smooth and creamy sauce. Crushed tomatoes are a better choice for dishes where you want a more rustic texture.

3. Can I use crushed tomatoes to make tomato sauce?

• Yes, you can use crushed tomatoes to make tomato sauce. However, you may need to add additional seasonings to taste.

4. What are some popular brands of tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes?

• Some of the most popular brands of tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes include Rao’s Homemade Tomato Sauce, Cento San Marzano Tomatoes, Mutti Crushed Tomatoes, and Hunt’s Tomato Sauce.

5. Are there any alternatives to tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes?

• Yes, there are a few other ingredients you can use to make a similar sauce. These include salsa, passata, and tomatoes.