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crushed tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes are a staple in kitchens around the world. Their rich texture, vibrant flavor, and incredible adaptability make them a go-to ingredient for delicious recipes. Whether you're simmering a slow-cooked Bolognese, whipping up a quick pizza sauce, or adding depth to a hearty chili, crushed tomatoes rise to the occasion.

What are Crushed Tomatoes?

Crushed tomatoes are essentially tomatoes that have been peeled, seeded, and then, as the name suggests, crushed. The level of crushing varies, giving you the option to choose between a chunky consistency perfect for stews or a finer texture for smoother sauces. Crushed tomatoes often contain a bit of tomato juice or puree, creating a beautifully balanced ingredient.

Why Crushed Tomatoes?

  • Convenience: Crushed tomatoes eliminate the need to blanch, peel, and crush tomatoes yourself – a big time saver in the kitchen.
  • Flavor: They are made from ripe, in-season tomatoes, usually vine-ripened, packed at the peak of freshness, preserving that summery tomato flavor all year round.
  • Versatility: Crushed tomatoes lend themselves to countless dishes from sauces and soups to chilis, dips, curries, and even braises.

Choosing the Right Crushed Tomatoes

  • Look for Quality: Choose brands that prioritize tomato quality and avoid those with added sugars, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
  • Tomato Variety: San Marzano tomatoes are renowned for their sweetness and balanced acidity. However, you can explore a wide variety of crushed tomatoes based on your taste preferences.
  • Added Flavors: Crushed tomatoes sometimes come with herbs like basil or spices for a quick flavor boost.

Using Crushed Tomatoes

The possibilities are endless! Here’s some inspiration:

  • Pasta Sauce: Simmer crushed tomatoes with garlic, onions, herbs, and a touch of olive oil for a classic marinara sauce.
  • Pizza Sauce: Add a pinch of oregano, red pepper flakes, and some garlic powder for a quick and delicious pizza sauce.
  • Soups and Stews: Crushed tomatoes add depth and richness to soups like minestrone or tomato basil soup, as well as hearty stews.
  • Casseroles and Braises: Use crushed tomatoes as the base for lasagnas, baked pastas, or slow-cooked braised meats.

Storage

Unopened cans of crushed tomatoes can be stored in a cool, dry pantry. After opening, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate – they’ll keep for about a week. You can also freeze crushed tomatoes for later use.

Crushed tomatoes are a powerhouse ingredient every home cook should have in their kitchen. Experiment with different brands, varieties, and recipes to discover the incredible things you can create with this versatile kitchen staple.

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