Restaurants often use tomato puree and canned tomatoes as substitutes in various dishes to enhance flavors, add depth to sauces, or replace fresh tomatoes when they're not in season. Here are some common ways restaurants utilize tomato puree and canned tomatoes as substitutes:
Pasta Sauces: Tomato puree and canned tomatoes are key ingredients in classic pasta sauces like marinara, Bolognese, and arrabbiata. They provide a rich tomato flavor and can be used as a base for adding other ingredients such as herbs, garlic, onions, and spices.
Soups and Stews: Tomato puree or canned tomatoes can be added to soups and stews to create a hearty and flavorful base. They work well in vegetable soups, chili, minestrone, and lentil soups, among others.
Pizza and Flatbreads: Tomato puree is commonly used as a sauce base for pizzas and flatbreads. It spreads easily and provides a concentrated tomato flavor. Canned tomatoes can also be used by crushing or blending them into a sauce consistency.
Salsas and Dips: Tomato puree or canned tomatoes can be combined with other ingredients like onions, peppers, herbs, and spices to create flavorful salsas and dips. They work well in tomato-based salsas, bruschetta toppings, and Mexican-style dips like salsa roja or pico de gallo.
Curries and Indian Cuisine: Tomato puree and canned tomatoes are often used in Indian curries and sauces. They help create a tangy and vibrant base for dishes like butter chicken, tikka masala, or vegetable curries.
Braises and Casseroles: Tomato puree or canned tomatoes can be added to braised dishes and casseroles to provide acidity and depth of flavor. They work well in dishes like braised meat, baked ziti, or ratatouille.
Sides and Accompaniments: Tomato puree or canned tomatoes can be used in various side dishes and accompaniments. They can be used in tomato-based condiments like ketchup, barbecue sauce, or tomato chutney. They can also be incorporated into stuffed vegetables or used as a base for tomato-based glazes and gravies.
Restaurants often choose tomato puree and canned tomatoes as substitutes because they offer consistent flavor and are readily available year-round. However, it's important to note that fresh tomatoes may be preferred in certain dishes for their unique taste and texture.