If you're looking for a nutritious ingredient to add to your recipes, look no further than 1/4 cup (61 g) crushed tomatoes in puree. With only 20 calories per serving, these tomatoes are a great way to add flavor to your dishes without adding a lot of calories.
These tomatoes are also packed with nutrition, including vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may have cancer-fighting properties.
In this article, we'll explore the health benefits of crushed tomatoes, provide serving size recommendations, offer recipe ideas and cooking tips, and discuss different storage suggestions.
calories: 20 Total Fat: 0g Total Carbohydrates: 4g
Health Benefits
1. May reduce the risk of cancer: Lycopene, found in high amounts in tomatoes, has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties. 2. May improve heart health: The potassium and lycopene in tomatoes have been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease. 3. May boost immune system: Tomatoes are high in vitamin C, which is an important nutrient for immune system health.
Serving Size
1/4 cup (61 g) is a standard serving size for crushed tomatoes. One 28-oz can of crushed tomatoes in puree contains roughly 7 servings. Use crushed tomatoes in a variety of dishes, such as pasta sauces, soups, and stews.
Tomato Brands
1. San Marzano: a popular brand for making tomato sauce. 2. Muir Glen: known for their organic and non-GMO tomatoes. 3. Cento: offers a variety of canned tomato products.
Recipe Ideas
1. Classic marinara sauce: simmer crushed tomatoes with garlic, onion, and dried herbs. 2. Tomato soup: cook crushed tomatoes with broth and cream for a comforting soup. 3. Shakshuka: bake eggs in a spicy tomato sauce for a flavorful breakfast.
Cooking Tips
1. Use diced or crushed tomatoes in recipes that call for tomato sauce to add texture. 2. Add crushed tomatoes to chili or taco filling for an extra pop of flavor. 3. Store leftover crushed tomatoes in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Storage Suggestions
1. Store unopened cans of crushed tomatoes in a cool pantry. 2. Once opened, transfer crushed tomatoes to an airtight container and store in the fridge. 3. Freeze leftover crushed tomatoes in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
Tomato-based Recipes
1. Caprese salad: layer sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil for a simple and refreshing salad. 2. Tomato bruschetta: top toasted bread with a mixture of chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. 3. Tomato and cucumber salad: toss sliced tomatoes and cucumbers with a simple vinaigrette for a healthy side dish.
Tomato Paste vs. Crushed Tomatoes
1. Tomato paste is a concentrated tomato product that has been cooked down and has a thicker consistency than crushed tomatoes. 2. Crushed tomatoes are crushed and canned with a thin tomato puree. 3. Tomato paste is often used to thicken sauces, while crushed tomatoes are used to add texture and flavor to recipes.
Canned vs. Fresh Tomatoes
1. Canned tomatoes are picked and then canned at the peak of ripeness, so they can be used year-round. 2. Fresh tomatoes are only available in season and have a shorter shelf life than canned tomatoes. 3. Canned tomatoes are often used in soups, stews, and sauces, while fresh tomatoes are enjoyed raw or in salads.
Tomatoes are my favorite vegetable to cook with. They add flavor, color, and nutrition to so many dishes!
5 FAQ About Crushed Tomatoes in Puree
1. What are crushed tomatoes in puree?
Crushed tomatoes in puree are a form of canned tomatoes that have been roughly chopped or "crushed" and mixed with a thick tomato puree. They are commonly used as a base for pasta sauces, soups, stews, and other tomato-based dishes.
2. Are crushed tomatoes in puree healthy?
Yes, crushed tomatoes in puree are a healthy addition to a balanced diet. Tomatoes are low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also a good source of fiber and can help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
3. How should I store crushed tomatoes in puree?
Crushed tomatoes in puree should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry, until opened. Once opened, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To freeze, transfer the leftover tomatoes to a freezer-safe container and store for up to six months.
4. Can I use crushed tomatoes in puree in place of tomato paste?
Yes, crushed tomatoes in puree can be used as a substitute for tomato paste in many recipes. Keep in mind that crushed tomatoes in puree are more liquidy than tomato paste, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe to compensate.
5. What recipes can I make with crushed tomatoes in puree?
Crushed tomatoes in puree are versatile and can be used in a wide range of recipes, including pasta sauces, chili, soups, stews, casseroles, and more. They also make a great pizza sauce when mixed with herbs and spices.