If you love Italian cuisine, you should definitely try using 1/4 cup tomatoes, crushed, in your recipes. Not only do they add a delicious flavor and texture, but they are also quite low in calories, with only 20 calories per serving.
Tomatoes are also packed with nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against cancer and heart disease.
In this article, we'll explore the many health benefits of crushed tomatoes, as well as some easy ways to use them in your favorite Italian dishes.
A Delicious Ingredient for Italian Dishes
Crushed tomatoes are a staple ingredient in many Italian dishes, from classic pasta sauces to pizza toppings. They add a rich, savory flavor and a velvety texture to any recipe, making them a versatile ingredient to keep in your pantry. Try using them to make a simple tomato sauce for spaghetti, or mix them with garlic and olive oil for a delicious pizza sauce. You can also add them to soups, stews, and casseroles for an extra burst of flavor.
Health Benefits of Crushed Tomatoes
Aside from their delicious flavor, crushed tomatoes are also incredibly good for you. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and folate, which are all essential for maintaining good health. In addition, crushed tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases. Studies have also shown that eating tomatoes may help improve skin health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Easy Ways to Use 1/4 Cup Tomatoes in Recipes
One of the best things about crushed tomatoes is how easy they are to use in recipes. Here are some quick and easy ways to incorporate them into your cooking:
- Add them to pasta sauce for extra flavor and texture
- Use them as a base for soups and stews
- Top your pizza with crushed tomatoes instead of traditional tomato sauce
- Use them as a dip for breadsticks or other snacks
- Mix them with garlic and olive oil for a tasty bruschetta topping
How to Make Homemade Italian Pasta Sauce with Crushed Tomatoes
If you want to take your Italian cooking to the next level, try making your own pasta sauce using crushed tomatoes. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:
- 1/4 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper and stir to combine. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Use as a sauce for your favorite pasta or as a dip for breadsticks.
Top 10 Italian Recipes Using Crushed Tomatoes
If you're looking for some inspiration on how to use crushed tomatoes in your Italian cooking, here are our top 10 favorite recipes:
- Spaghetti with tomato sauce
- Pizza Margherita
- Chicken Cacciatore
- Meatball Sub Sandwiches
- Lasagna
- Mushroom Risotto
- Minestrone Soup
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Beef Bolognese
- Vegetable Frittata
Best Brands of Italian Crushed Tomatoes to Buy
When it comes to buying crushed tomatoes for your Italian cooking, there are a lot of options to choose from. Here are some of our favorite brands to look for:
- Muir Glen Organic Crushed Tomatoes
- San Marzano Crushed Tomatoes
- Pomi Strained Tomatoes
- Hunt's Diced Tomatoes
- Contadina Crushed Tomatoes
Tomato Nutrition Facts and Calories
Here are the nutritional facts for 1/4 cup of crushed tomatoes:
- calories: 20
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 0g
- Vitamin C: 12% of the daily value
- Potassium: 6% of the daily value
- Lycopene: 2000 mcg
How to Store Crushed Tomatoes After Opening
If you have leftover crushed tomatoes after opening a can or jar, it's important to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh. Here are some tips for storing crushed tomatoes:
- Transfer the tomatoes to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Alternatively, you can freeze the tomatoes for up to 6 months
Low-Carb Recipes Using 1/4 Cup Tomatoes
If you're following a low-carb diet, you might be wondering how to incorporate crushed tomatoes into your meals. Here are some delicious low-carb recipes that use 1/4 cup of tomatoes:
- Spaghetti squash casserole with ground beef and tomatoes
- Zucchini lasagna with tomato sauce
- Taco-stuffed sweet potatoes with tomato salsa
- Chicken and vegetable kebabs with tomato dipping sauce
- Tomato and cucumber salad with feta and olives
How to Use Crushed Tomatoes in Vegan Recipes
Crushed tomatoes are a great ingredient to use in vegan recipes, as they add a lot of flavor and texture without any animal products. Here are some simple vegan recipes that use 1/4 cup of crushed tomatoes:
- Roasted vegetable and quinoa bowls with tomato sauce
- Vegan lentil and vegetable soup with crushed tomatoes
- Tomato and avocado bruschetta
- Spicy chickpea and tomato stew
- Vegan stuffed peppers with quinoa and tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of my favorite ingredients to use in Italian cooking. They add so much flavor and versatility to any recipe.
5 FAQ About 1/4 Cup Tomatoes, Crushed, Italian Recipe, 20 calories
1. What is the nutritional value of 1/4 cup of crushed Italian tomatoes?
One-fourth cup of crushed Italian tomatoes has only 20 calories and provides 1 gram of protein, 4 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of fiber.
2. Can crushed Italian tomatoes be used in various recipes?
Yes, crushed Italian tomatoes can be used in various recipes, such as pasta sauces, soups, casseroles, and stews.
3. Should you be concerned about the sodium content in canned crushed Italian tomatoes?
Yes, you should be conscious of the sodium content in canned crushed Italian tomatoes, as many brands add salt as a preservative. To avoid adding unnecessary sodium to your diet, look for no-salt-added or low-sodium canned tomatoes.
4. Are canned crushed Italian tomatoes as nutritious as fresh tomatoes?
Canned crushed Italian tomatoes are typically lower in vitamin C compared to fresh tomatoes due to the cooking and canning process. However, they are still a good source of antioxidants, vitamin A, potassium, and lycopene.
5. How long can canned crushed Italian tomatoes be stored?
Canned crushed Italian tomatoes have a shelf life of about a year when stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days.