Tomato Substitutes
No matter what your reason is for avoiding the tomato, it’s always great to have a substitute handy when cooking. I’ve compiled a list of different substitutes that you can use in recipes where tomatoes are usually called for, so you can enjoy all of your favorite dishes!
Here’s what you need to know about substitutes for tomatoes that can be used in recipes to give them the same flavor as a tomato-based dish without changing the other ingredients.
1. Tomato Paste
Tomato paste is simply the liquid inside a jar of tomatoes. You can use it as a sauce, a spread, a dip, a marinade, or a salad dressing. You can add it to pizza, pasta, casseroles, and soups, and even make your own ketchup. This is a great way to eat tomatoes while saving money.
You can also use it to make other dishes, like pasta sauce. There are many brands of tomato paste available in the market. It’s important to make sure that the tomato paste you buy is low in sodium. You can check its label to see if it is low in sodium or not. If not, then you can look for low-sodium tomato paste in the supermarket.
2. Homemade Tomato Sauce
This is another easy substitution that can be made at home. Simply combine diced tomatoes with onion, garlic, spices, and some stock until you have a thick sauce.
3. Tomato Juice
This is the most popular substitute for tomatoes in recipes because it’s versatile and easy to find on store shelves. Simply dilute it with water until you get the desired consistency for your recipe.
4. Yogurt
Tomatoes are a staple ingredient in many dishes, but if you’re looking for a healthy substitute, yogurt is a great option. Yogurt can be substituted for tomatoes in basically any dish, and it has a number of health benefits.
For example, yogurt is high in calcium and potassium, which can help to keep your bones healthy. Additionally, yogurts are filled with probiotics, which can help to improve your overall gut health.
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy substitute for tomatoes in your diet, yogurt is an excellent option.
5. Paprika
Paprika is a spicy, red pepper that is used in Hungarian goulash and in Italian dishes such as spaghetti sauce. It can also be found in Indian cuisine, where it is used to add color and flavor to dishes. Paprika is a good substitute for tomatoes in many recipes because it has a similar flavor and can be used in place of most ingredients.
6. Garlic
Garlic can be substituted for fresh tomatoes in a lot of recipes. It has a strong flavor, so it is best to use it sparingly in dishes where you don’t want the taste to overpower the other ingredients.
7. Oregano
Oregano is another common substitution for tomatoes. It has a strong, herbal taste and can add a lot of flavor to dishes. Again, use it sparingly if you don’t want the dish to be too overpowering.
8. Thyme
Thyme is another herb that can be used as a substitute for tomatoes in many recipes. Its flavor is quite mild, so this herb is ideal for dishes that don’t need a lot of added flavor.
9. Cumin
Cumin is another spice that can be used as a substitute for tomatoes in many recipes. Its aroma and flavor are similar to those of fresh tomatoes, so it can easily replace them in most cases.
10. Taco Seasoning Mix
There are many taco seasoning mixes on the market. You can use these instead of tomatoes to make your own taco seasoning for a few dollars. You can use taco seasoning mix to make burritos, nachos, and even salads. When you use taco seasoning mix, you can easily make recipes that normally require tomatoes. You can also use the seasoning mix to make your recipes using beans and legumes, like chili.
11. Mustard
One of the most popular substitutes for tomatoes is mustard. A good way to make a substitution without completely altering the recipe is to use a ratio of ⅓ cup of white vinegar to 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard. This will give you the same flavor and consistency as using tomatoes.
12. Salsa
Another great substitute for tomatoes is salsa. Simply mix together 1 cup of diced fresh tomatoes with ½ cup of chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl and enjoy as a salad or taco topping.
13. Tamarind Paste
You can use tamarind paste in place of tomatoes to make Asian-inspired dishes. This is a great way to eat tamarind, which is low in calories and a good source of fiber. You can also use tamarind paste to make your relish.
This is a healthy condiment to have around the house that you can use to dress up a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and even desserts. There are many brands of tamarind paste on the market today. Some are concentrated, while others are diluted with water.
14. Mango
You can use mango in place of tomatoes in several dishes. Mangoes are a tropical fruit with a high nutritional value and low cost. You can also use it to make smoothies or dips.
There are many mango-flavored products available on the market today, including mango salsas, mango drinks, and even mango candy. You can easily make these items at home using fresh mangoes.
15. Amla
Amla is a fruit that is used in recipes to make a paste, similar in consistency to tamarind. You can use amla in place of tomatoes and tamarind to add a nutritional boost to your dishes.
Amla is a good source of vitamin C and fiber. Amla is a low-cost, nutrient-rich Indian fruit that is easy to grow and can be found in some supermarkets. You can use amla in place of tomatoes or tamarind in a variety of dishes.
16. Bell Peppers
You can use bell peppers in place of tomatoes to save money and make salsa or other dips. You can also add these to a number of dishes, like pasta, chili, soups, and even salads.
17. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a good source of minerals and protein, making them a good option for people on a budget.
18. Carrots
Carrots are a good source of nutrients like vitamin A and vitamin C, as well as fiber. They can also be substituted for ground beef in many recipes.
19. Zucchini
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many dishes. It has a sweet flavor and is high in antioxidants, which make it a good substitute for tomatoes in dishes like salads or pasta sauces.
20. Spinach
Spinach is another healthy option that can be substituted for tomatoes in many recipes. It’s high in iron and other vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent addition to any meal plan.
Conclusion
There are many ways you can substitute tomato with something else in your kitchen. The most important thing to remember is that they all should be healthier options. If you compromise on real ingredients by compensating them with low-grade ingredients, you are actually compromising on your health.
