Yes, canned tomatoes can absolutely be used to make a quick and easy tomato sauce. In fact, canned tomatoes are often preferred over fresh tomatoes for sauces because of their consistently ripe, concentrated flavor. Canned tomatoes are already cooked and peeled – making prep work a breeze. All you need to do is open the can and get cooking!
What are the benefits of using canned tomatoes for sauce?
There are several advantages to using canned tomatoes to make your own tomato sauce at home:
- Convenience – Canned tomatoes are pre-washed, peeled, seeded, and cooked. This saves a lot of time compared to preparing fresh tomatoes.
- Consistency – The flavor and texture of canned tomatoes does not vary like fresh tomatoes. You can expect the same result each time.
- Long shelf life – An unopened can of tomatoes can be stored for over a year. No need to worry about fresh tomatoes going bad.
- Cost effective – Canned tomatoes are typically cheaper to buy than fresh, especially when not in season.
- Flavor – The tomatoes are picked and canned at peak ripeness, offering full tomato flavor.
- Nutrition – Canned tomatoes offer a comparable nutrient profile to fresh. The canning process preserves the vitamins and minerals.
- Availability – Canned tomatoes can be found year-round and do not depend on tomato season.
With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why canned tomatoes are a pantry staple for homemade sauces.
What types of canned tomatoes work best?
There are a few different types of canned tomatoes that all work great as a base for sauce:
- Whole peeled tomatoes – These are whole, peeled tomatoes packed in tomato juice or purée. The tomatoes maintain their shape when cooked down into a sauce.
- Diced tomatoes – Diced tomatoes are cut into uniform small pieces. They break down easily when simmered for sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes – Crushed tomatoes are whole tomatoes that have been crushed by a machine. They make a textured, chunky sauce.
- Tomato purée – Puréed tomatoes have been cooked and strained to remove seeds and skins. This makes a smooth, thick sauce.
- Tomato paste – Tomato paste is concentrated tomato purée. It adds rich flavor and thickness to sauce.
For a basic tomato sauce, diced and crushed canned tomatoes tend to work best. Play around with different varieties to find your favorite!
What other ingredients can be added?
One of the great things about a simple tomato sauce made with canned tomatoes is how versatile it is. There are endless possibilities for ingredients to customize the flavor:
- Onions, garlic, shallots
- Herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary
- Spices like red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning
- Vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, bell peppers
- Meat such as ground beef, Italian sausage, chicken
- Sugar, honey, or maple syrup to counter acidity
- Red or white wine
- Parmesan or romano cheese
- Cream or butter for richness
Get creative and add any combination of flavors that appeal to you! The simple tomato base acts as the perfect canvas.
What steps are needed to turn canned tomatoes into sauce?
Making your own sauce from canned tomatoes couldn’t be easier. Here is a basic recipe:
- Pour one 28oz can of diced, crushed, or whole peeled tomatoes into a saucepan. Include the juice too.
- Add any aromatics like onion, garlic, herbs, spices, etc. Sauté briefly to release flavors.
- Bring the tomatoes to a simmer over medium heat. Let bubble gently for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Use an immersion blender or traditional blender to fully break down tomatoes into a sauce consistency if desired.
- Adjust seasonings to taste. Add a splash of cream or butter if desired.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let flavors further develop.
And that’s it – you have a simple, flavorful tomato sauce using just canned tomatoes! The sauce can be used right away or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
What are some serving ideas for canned tomato sauce?
Homemade tomato sauce using canned tomatoes can feature in all kinds of delicious recipes. Some serving ideas include:
- Pasta – Toss with spaghetti, linguine, rigatoni, or any noodle shape.
- Pizza – Use as the base sauce instead of buying jarred pizza sauce.
- Lasagna – Layer the sauce with noodles, cheese, and your favorite fillings.
- Soup – Puree into a creamy tomato soup.
- Chili – Use as the broth for a meat or vegetarian chili.
- Casseroles – Mix into eggplant parmesan, stuffed peppers, or baked ziti.
- Chicken – Sauté chicken breasts or thighs in the sauce for extra flavor.
From quick weeknight meals to impressive weekend dishes, the possibilities are endless for homemade canned tomato sauce!
Conclusion
Canned tomatoes are an easy, affordable, and versatile pantry staple that can be transformed into delicious homemade tomato sauce in just minutes. With so many benefits over fresh tomatoes, canned are ideal for keeping on hand to whip up quick sauces anytime. Experiment with different tomato varieties and flavor additions to customize the sauce. Use the sauce right away or store for later on in the week. With just a simple recipe, canned tomatoes can become your secret weapon for making last-minute homemade meals that never disappoint!