Chili is a versatile dish that can be made with all sorts of ingredients. While many chili recipes call for diced tomatoes, using crushed tomatoes instead is absolutely an option. Crushed tomatoes can make a tasty and nutritious base for chili. Here’s a look at whether crushed tomatoes can sub in for diced tomatoes in chili recipes, how the taste and texture may differ, and some tips for getting the best results.
Can You Substitute Crushed Tomatoes for Diced Tomatoes in Chili?
Yes, crushed tomatoes can generally be substituted for diced tomatoes in chili recipes. The tomatoes will provide the same flavor, just with a different texture.
Some key things to keep in mind when swapping crushed for diced tomatoes:
- Crushed tomatoes have a smoother, more uniform texture than chunky diced tomatoes.
- The texture of the chili will be a bit different, but the flavor will be similar.
- Be sure to drain and rinse the crushed tomatoes to prevent excess liquid in the chili.
- You may want to add vegetables like onions, peppers, etc. for more texture.
- Consider crushing your own tomatoes for a more customizable, less watery texture.
So in summary – yes, crushed tomatoes can absolutely be used to make chili! The overall taste will be largely the same. You’ll just need to compensate for the change in texture depending on your preferences.
How Will the Taste and Texture Differ?
Switching from diced to crushed tomatoes will primarily affect the texture of the chili, not the flavor.
Here’s a comparison of how crushed and diced tomatoes change the taste and texture of chili:
Taste
The taste of the two chilis will be very similar. Both crushed and diced tomatoes contribute acidic, tomato flavor to the dish. Whole, crushed tomatoes may have a more concentrated, intense tomato taste. But overall, the flavors will be comparable. Spices, meats, beans, and other ingredients primarily determine the chili’s taste profile.
Texture
Chili made with crushed tomatoes will have a smoother, more uniform texture, almost like a tomato sauce. It won’t have those varied chunks from the diced tomatoes. Some people prefer this silkier mouth feel. However, others feel it makes the chili too smooth. Diced tomatoes provide more varied textures. So if you want a heartier, chunkier chili, diced tomatoes are the better choice.
Liquid Content
Crushed tomatoes tend to contain more liquid than their diced counterparts. This can make crushed tomato chili soupy or thin. Be sure to drain and rinse the crushed tomatoes to remove excess liquid. Diced tomatoes have less surface area and tend to be thicker and less watery. So you may need to add extra broth to diced tomato chili to reach the desired consistency.
Vegetable Pieces
With diced tomatoes, you get chunks of tomato in each bite. Crushed tomatoes form a smooth sauce. So you’ll have fewer vegetable pieces in crushed tomato chili. Adding items like onions, bell peppers, carrots, or celery can provide more texture and bite to balance out the crushed tomatoes’ smoothness.
Conclusion
In the end, crushed and diced tomatoes will both make a tasty pot of chili. Diced tomatoes provide a chunkier, heartier texture. Crushed tomatoes create a smoother, more uniform bite. The flavor will be similar either way. So it comes down to your personal preferences on chili texture. Both can make an enjoyable bowl of chili.
Tips for Using Crushed Tomatoes
Here are some tips to ensure crushed tomatoes work well and give you a rich, flavorful chili:
Drain and Rinse the Tomatoes
Canned crushed tomatoes contain a lot of liquid. Drain and rinse them before adding to the chili pot. This removes excess water that can make the chili watery or thin.
Add Extra Vegetables
Items like onions, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, celery, etc. complement the crushed tomatoes. They add back some of the texture and chunks that you lose versus diced tomatoes.
Use Tomato Paste or Puree
Stirring in some tomato paste or puree can add body and thickness to the chili made with crushed tomatoes. Tomato paste also boosts the rich, intense tomato flavor.
Thicken with Beans or Meat
Beans, ground meat, or meat chunks naturally thicken and enrich chili. White beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans pair especially well with tomato-based chili.
Simmer Uncovered
Letting the chili simmer uncovered for 30-60 minutes reduces excess liquid and concentrates the flavors as some water evaporates.
Add Diced Vegetables Separately
If you want some chunks in your crushed tomato chili, dice up fresh veggies like peppers, carrots, zucchini, etc. and add them later in the cooking process so they retain their texture.
Finish with Fresh Tomatoes
For a fresh tomato flavor and more texture, stir in a few diced fresh tomatoes near the end of cooking or use as a colorful garnish.
Thicken with Cornstarch
If the crushed tomato chili still seems thin, make a cornstarch slurry with 1-2 tsp cornstarch dissolved in a bit of cold water. Slowly stir it into the simmering chili to thicken the liquid.
Crushed Tomato Chili Recipe
This flavorful veggie chili uses crushed tomatoes as the base along with lots of spices, beans, and vegetables. Feel free to use ground meat like turkey or beef if you prefer meat chili.
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 (15 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
- 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add bell pepper, celery, and carrots. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain and rinse crushed tomatoes. Add to the pot along with kidney beans.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and let simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Enjoy hot topped with desired garnishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making chili with crushed tomatoes:
Why use crushed tomatoes instead of diced?
You may opt for crushed tomatoes if you want a smoother, more sauce-like chili texture. Crushed tomatoes also contain more liquid which can help create a saucier chili.
Do you drain the liquid from crushed tomatoes?
Yes, it’s important to drain and rinse canned crushed tomatoes before adding to chili. This prevents the chili from being too thin or getting watered down.
Should you add tomato paste for flavor?
Stirring in a few tablespoons of tomato paste can pack extra tomato flavor into the chili. The paste also helps thicken the crushed tomato liquid.
What kind of beans work best?
Kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans are all excellent choices for chili. Pick whichever beans you prefer. Multiple types can be combined too.
Can you use crushed tomatoes straight from the can?
You can, but draining and rinsing them first is recommended to remove excess liquid and improve the chili’s texture.
How long should you simmer crushed tomato chili?
Aim for at least 30 minutes of simmering to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce down slightly. Cover at first, then uncover toward the end.
Should you add fresh tomatoes too?
Absolutely! Dicing up a fresh tomato or two at the end adds a bright, fresh flavor and more texture.
What garnishes go well with crushed tomato chili?
Toppings like shredded cheese, diced onion, cilantro, sliced jalapeño, avocado, lime wedges, and sour cream or Greek yogurt all complement the flavors.
Conclusion
Crushed tomatoes can make an excellent base for deeply flavored chili. Their smooth, tomatoey texture provides a nice contrast to spicy chili powder and chunks of vegetables or meat. While the texture differs from diced tomato chili, the taste remains satisfyingly rich. With a few easy tricks like draining, extra veg, and extended simmering, crushed tomatoes substitute nicely in your favorite chili recipe. So don’t be afraid to use crushed tomatoes to whip up a pot of chili soon. Enjoy this comforting classic in a slightly new way.