Do you not have a stock of plum tomatoes at your home? So you’ll need to have a few substitutes on hand to be able to make dishes with recipes that call for plum tomatoes. We will share with you some of the best plum tomato substitutes that are ready to make your dishes delicious.
I think that some of these substitutions will give the original recipe the same flavor or at least give it the same resemblance in cooking as you would using plum tomatoes.
Since there are many best substitutes, which one should you use? This depends on a number of things, whether you use fresh or canned plum tomatoes, or use regular tomatoes. Can also use other ingredients from fruit to replace it. If you enjoy all kinds of tomatoes, take a look and see my recipe for poached tomatoes and substitutes.
10 Best Substitutes for Plum Tomatoes
The best substitutes for plum tomatoes in your dishes: Fresh tomatoes, Canned Tomatoes, Puree, passata, or Sauce. Let’s take a look at which one is best for you, so you know which one to prepare to replace plum tomatoes.
1. Cherry and grape tomatoes
You can choose small tomato varieties such as grape and cherry tomatoes. This seems like an alternative because it retains the tomato flavor.
But the problem is that this breed can be a little pricey in winter or spring.
2. Beef steak tomatoes
If you’re looking for a larger variety than grape tomatoes, fresh beefsteak tomatoes are a great substitute for plum tomatoes. Whether you grow them yourself or buy them at the market, they can work well in recipes when plum tomatoes aren’t available.
Beefsteak tomatoes are much larger, contain more juice, and have a balanced flavor that makes them versatile in the kitchen [The Spruce Eats]. They’re ideal for summer recipes like salads and ceviche, where their juiciness and texture shine. They can also be used as a base for fresh dips or even cooked down into sauces.
When purchasing beefsteak tomatoes as a substitute for plum tomatoes, choose the ones that are flatter in shape, as they tend to have firmer flesh, more suitable for slicing or cooking. In contrast, the rounder varieties are typically sweeter and better suited for fresh eating [Bon Appétit.].
These are two excellent fresh tomato alternatives to plum tomatoes. If you prefer shelf-stable or processed options, there are several canned or jarred substitutes worth considering, as outlined below.
Canned Tomatoes: Whole Peeled, Diced, Crushed
If it is canned tomatoes that you are looking to replace with plum tomatoes, then there are several alternatives for you.
3. Canned Roma tomatoes
You can buy whole tomatoes, or diced, etc. All of these will work well for you.
Among the various types of canned tomatoes commonly used as substitutes are canned Roma tomatoes. Roma tomatoes are a type of plum tomato.
Using canned Roma tomatoes instead of other plum tomatoes means you’re using the same variety. Naturally, they have a similar taste and texture, making them a suitable alternative when you run out of other plum tomatoes.
4. Canned San Marzano tomatoes
Canned San Marzano tomatoes can also be used as a substitute for plum tomatoes in various recipes, but they tend to be more expensive. In addition to the higher price, this type of tomato can also be difficult to find.
They have a great flavor, but because they’re pricey, I tend to be more selective when using them. If I’m cooking a dish that includes many other ingredients, I usually prefer to use more affordable tomatoes, since their flavor will be blended with everything else anyway.
However, if I only make dishes with tomato ingredients, such as pizza sauce, then I will choose Canned San Marzano tomatoes, which will be tastier. Here we will feel the true taste of tomatoes, even though the price is expensive, we will get a taste that is worth it.
5. Canned diced tomatoes
This type of tomato before the canning process has been chopped and treated with calcium chloride and nitric acid to keep its shape fresh in the can. Calcium chloride won’t add to the taste or change it, it still brings out the great taste in a variety of recipes.
Why Are Canned Diced Tomatoes a Good Substitute for Plum Tomatoes? Canned diced tomatoes are a great substitute for plum tomatoes because they’re affordable and have a similar taste. They’re often cheaper than canned whole peeled tomatoes, making them a budget-friendly option for many recipes.
Frankly, Canned Diced Tomatoes are easy to use, and this is one I like when using them in cooking. Adding Canned Diced Tomatoes to cooking is the easiest way to add delicious flavors to every dish..
Other Tomato Products: Paste, Puree, Passata
Besides using fresh and canned tomatoes, there are other types of tomatoes that make great Plum Tomato Substitutes in dishes and recipes. What is meant here is a substitute for other types of fruit, such as puree, passata, and tomato paste.
You can use this plum tomato substitute in a variety of recipes such as soups, stews, and even in casseroles and others.
6. Tomato puree
Tomato puree is a simple mixture of tomatoes and water. You can make it easily, just by mixing tomato paste with water in the same ratio, you will produce tomato puree.
7. Tomato paste
You can also use tomato paste instead of plum tomatoes. What’s the difference between tomato puree and tomato paste? The difference is this: Tomato paste is a thick version of tomato puree.
Because of its thickness, the taste is also very thick. If you want to add them to soup instead of plum tomatoes, you don’t need to dilute them, just add a small amount.
For some recipes, those of you who want to use tomato paste, you should dilute it with water, using the same ratio.
8. Passata
Then, the best Plum Tomato Substitutes is passata, Passata is a fruit product that can replace tomatoes for some of your recipes.
What is passata? This is the raw form of tomato puree and is strained from the seeds and skins. It is thinner than tomato paste, and the taste is not as intense.
When making marinara sauce, the only ingredient you should use is passata. As an option, you can also add 1 tablespoon of tomato puree.
Passata is also the best substitute for plum tomatoes in making pizza sauce. For a little extra flavor, you can also use a little sugar or salt, or pepper. Add according to recipe and taste.
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9. Tomato sauce
Tomato sauce can also be used as one of the best plum tomato substitutes in making pizza sauce. You can add salt or pepper if needed.
Tomato sauce is often used in making stews, soups, and all kinds of pasta dishes. But is it the best substitute for plum tomatoes? In many classic recipes, the base typically includes sautéed chopped tomatoes, olive oil, seasoned chicken, spices, and other flavorings. While tomato sauce can be a convenient alternative, it may lack the texture and fresh flavor of chopped or whole plum tomatoes.
10. Sun-dried tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes are an excellent Plum tomatoes in some recipes. Especially, sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil are a great addition to some recipes, even if some don’t like them.
Tomatoes basted in olive oil are very expensive, and if you’re on a budget, this is a great thing to add to a recipe instead of plum tomatoes.
With sun-dried tomatoes, you can make a sauce for pizza, make pesto, and many other interesting dishes.
