Substituting Fresh Tomatoes for Canned or Pureed in Recipes

When you're substituting fresh tomatoes for canned or pureed tomatoes in your recipe, there are a few steps you need to follow to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly. This guide will walk you through the process of understanding how to properly prepare fresh tomatoes and how to achieve the same results as you would with canned or pureed tomatoes.

Preparing Fresh Tomatoes

The first step in substituting fresh tomatoes for canned or pureed tomatoes is to skincare the tomatoes. This might seem like a tedious process, but it's essential for achieving the right texture and taste in your dish.

Step 1: Skinning Fresh Tomatoes

Make a small "X" incision at the bottom of each tomato. The incision should only cut through the skin and not too deep. This will help in easily loosening the skin.

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add your tomatoes and let them sit in the water for about 30 seconds. This process is called blanching, which helps in separating the skin from the tomato flesh.

After blanching, remove the tomatoes from the pot. Use your hands to peel off the loosened skin starting from the "X" incision. Be careful as the tomatoes may be hot!

Step 2: Cooking Fresh Tomatoes

Once the skin is removed, your tomatoes are ready to be cooked. Since fresh tomatoes haven't undergone a cooking process like their canned counterparts, they will need more time to soften and break down in the recipe.

If your recipe doesn't call for pureed tomatoes, simply chop the tomatoes and add them to the dish. They will need additional cooking time to soften and blend well with other ingredients.

Alternatively, if the recipe requires pureed tomatoes, you can either chop the tomatoes finely and cook them in a separate pot until they reach the desired consistency, or you can use an immersion blender to puree them directly in the cooking pot.

Cooking Tomatoes to a Puree

For recipes calling for pureed tomatoes, you have a couple of options for achieving the right texture.

Method 1: Stewing Fresh Tomatoes

Cook your peeled and chopped tomatoes for a longer period. This will help in softening the tomatoes and releasing their juices, making it easier to blend into a puree.

Let the cooked tomatoes cool slightly, then place them in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.

Method 2: Using a Foley Mill or Strainer

In a large pot, bring the fresh tomatoes to a boil. Once the skin splits, drain the tomatoes and allow them to cool.

Use your hands to remove any remaining skin. Then, chop the tomatoes finely and place them in a Foley mill or a large strainer.

Push the tomatoes through the strainer using a wooden spoon to remove any seeds or excess pulp. This method ensures a smooth, seed-free puree.

Why Skinning and Cooking Fresh Tomatoes Matters

Skimming the skin from fresh tomatoes is crucial because it dramatically affects the texture of the dish. The skin can be tough and can leave a grittier sensation when eating, which might not be desired in all recipes. Additionally, cooking time can vary between fresh and canned tomatoes, as fresh tomatoes have a higher water content and require more time to become soft and flavorful.

Conclusion

Substituting fresh tomatoes for canned or pureed tomatoes requires some preparation, but it's easier than you might think. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly incorporate fresh tomatoes into your recipes and enjoy a rich, authentic flavor. Whether you're using blanched and stewed tomatoes or pureeing them in a blender, the key is to ensure they are well-cooked and blended to achieve the right texture and taste.