Tomatoes have several applications; they are delicious whether eaten raw or cooked.
Fresh tomatoes are great for salads and go well with greens like lettuce.
Cooked tomatoes are utilized in a number of cuisines, including Italian and Indian.
Tomatoes are one of the most well-known vegetables and are consumed all around the globe.
But, in the late 1700s, several people in Europe felt they were toxic.
Of course, this was a case of mistaken identification, but you could still need a tomato replacement today.
Whether you’ve ran out of tomatoes in your cupboard or are allergic to them, we’ll provide you the finest tomato alternatives here.
Contents
What exactly are tomatoes?
Tomatoes are a mainstay in many cultures’ cookery; in fact, tomatoes are the world’s most popular fruit.
According to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization, global output exceeds 180 million tons.
We conceive of them as veggies, although they are classified as fruit by scientists.
Tomatoes originated in South and Central America, but European explorers carried them to the Old World.
Several nations now consider the tomato to be an integral component of their cuisine.
Tomatoes are often used in Indian cuisine, particularly in curries.
The 5 Greatest Tomato Substitutes
You may think you’re out of luck if you can’t get tomatoes for your recipe, but there are several alternatives.
Some recipes even allow you to leave out the tomatoes.
The substitutions we’ve provided are mostly for prepared foods.
1 can of tomatoes
Nothing beats fresh tomatoes, and if you can’t locate them, you may already have canned tomatoes in your pantry.
According to the USDA, canned tomatoes are consumed in the same proportion as fresh tomatoes.
Canned tomatoes will not work well in salads or sandwiches since fresh tomatoes are required.
You may use them in any recipe; just keep in mind that the canned variety has a stronger taste.
Tomatoes in cans work nicely in:
- Pizzas.
- Pasta.
- Curries.
- Sauces.
- Soups.
- Beans & Meats.
Canned tomatoes are available in a variety of sizes, including whole and chopped.
Since tomato puree is already prepared, you may not need to cook your cuisine for as long.
2 Carrots
If you’re out of tomatoes, this winter squash is likely to be in your cupboard, saving you a trip to the shop.
Pumpkins are very nutritious, since they are abundant in Vitamin A and other minerals.
This squash is great for those on a diet, and it also helps your immune system.
When cooked, pumpkin has a texture and consistency comparable to tomatoes, making it an excellent alternative for curries or stews.
Pumpkins are a fantastic substitute for tomatoes in dishes that need pureeing.
Pumpkin puree is comparable to pureed tomatoes in that it thickens and fills the dish in the same manner.
Appropriate ratio:
Since tomatoes and pumpkins vary in size, you must use the chopped or pureed version.
- 1 cup chopped tomato= 1 cup chopped pumpkin.
- 1 cup pureed tomato= 1 cup pureed pumpkin.
3 green bell peppers
Don’t worry about overspicing with this selection; bell peppers are also known as sweet peppers.
Red bell peppers are the perfect replacement for fresh tomatoes.
Red bell peppers are the sweetest and have the same color as tomatoes, so your salad won’t seem too different.
Red bell peppers work best as a substitute for fresh tomatoes in recipes that call for them.
Salads that cannot employ the other ingredients on this list might benefit from the addition of bell peppers.
Bell peppers are also delicious on sandwiches and burgers, particularly when paired with a green vegetable.
Peppers have a substantially lower water content than tomatoes, which is crucial to consider while cooking with them.
If you’re cooking spaghetti or curry, for example, you may want to purée the bell peppers first.
Appropriate ratio:
- 1 large tomato= 1 bell pepper.
- 1 cup tomato puree= 1 cup bell pepper puree.
4 yoghurt
You may be shocked to find yogurt on this list, but read on.
Tomatoes are often used to thicken or as a foundation for sauces, and yogurt may serve the same purpose if handled correctly.
Tomatoes are often used as a basis in Indian curries; they thicken the liquid and make the meal flavorful.
You may also add yogurt in this manner to give the curry body and acidity.
For curries, use unsweetened yogurt; homemade yogurt is the best alternative.
In thicker stews and similar meals, yogurt may be used instead of tomatoes.
Always use it as late in the cooking process as feasible.
Appropriate ratio:
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes= 1 cup yogurt.
5 Mango
Another odd addition on this list; you may believe mangoes are the polar opposite of tomatoes.
Unripe mangoes have a somewhat sour and acidic flavor, but ripe mangoes are quite sweet.
Mangoes, like tomatoes, have a beautiful, thick texture that may be used to thicken stews and curries.
To avoid the sweetness from interfering with salty or spicy recipes, use slightly immature mangoes.
Fresh mango is also delicious in salads.
Since the richness of the fruit alters the flavor of the salad, pick your dressing wisely.
Appropriate ratio:
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes= 1 cup chopped mango.
Conclusion
Tomatoes offer many health advantages as well, however some individuals are allergic to tomatoes and cannot consume them.
Tomatoes are highly adaptable and utilized in a wide variety of cuisines, which means that nothing can replace them in every recipe.
What works in a salad will not work in a curry.
Selecting a replacement is dependent on the recipe, and only experience can tell you whether or not it will work.
