7 best substitutes for San Marzano tomatoes
San Marzano tomatoes are known for their distinctive flavor and are a popular choice for many Italian dishes. However, if you are unable to get your hands on San Marzano tomatoes, there are several excellent substitutes available. In this article, we will explore the seven best substitutes for San Marzano tomatoes and how to use them effectively in your recipes.
1. Canned Tomatoes
When it comes to substituting San Marzano tomatoes, canned tomatoes are a convenient and readily available option. While they may not have the exact same sweetness and intense flavor of San Marzano tomatoes, any type of canned tomato can provide a similar taste and texture. Keep in mind that canned tomatoes may be slightly more acidic, but you can balance this out by adding a small amount of sugar.
2. Roma Tomatoes
Roma tomatoes are an excellent substitute for fresh San Marzano tomatoes. They are similar in size and flavor profile, making them an ideal alternative. Unlike San Marzano tomatoes, Roma tomatoes are more widely grown and easier to find in most grocery stores. Although they are not as sweet as San Marzano tomatoes, they have a comparable level of acidity.
3. Tomato paste
If you are using San Marzano tomatoes for their smooth texture, a good quality tomato paste can be used as a substitute. Tomato paste is thick and concentrated, so it may be necessary to dilute it with some broth or water before adding it to your recipe. However, the dense consistency of tomato paste can provide a richness similar to that of San Marzano tomatoes.
4. Cherry Tomatoes
While smaller in size than San Marzano tomatoes, cherry tomatoes offer a similar sweetness and low acidity. This makes them an excellent substitute when adding tomatoes to salads, sandwiches, or pizza. To compensate for the size difference, you will need to use approximately four to five cherry tomatoes for each San Marzano tomato used in your recipe.
5. Passata
Passata is a tomato puree made by removing the seeds and skin from the tomatoes and pureeing the flesh. It has a smooth texture that closely resembles canned San Marzano tomatoes. Passata can be used as a substitute in classic marinara sauces or ragus, providing a flavor and consistency comparable to San Marzano tomatoes.
6. Sun Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated and intensified sweet flavor. They can be chopped and added to sauces or marinades as a substitute for fresh or canned San Marzano tomatoes. The advantage of using sun-dried tomatoes is that they have a long shelf life, so you can have them on hand in your pantry whenever you need them.
7. Roasted Bell Peppers
For a tomato-free alternative, roasted peppers can be an excellent substitute for San Marzano tomatoes. Roasted red peppers have a rich and intense flavor that is comparable to the taste of San Marzano tomatoes. They can be blended and incorporated into sauces, or used in salads and sandwiches as a substitute for fresh tomatoes.
Conclusion
While San Marzano tomatoes are highly prized for their unique flavor, there are several viable substitutes that can be used when they are unavailable. Canned tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, tomato paste, cherry tomatoes, passata, sun-dried tomatoes and roasted peppers all offer different flavors and textures that can complement a variety of recipes. By experimenting with these substitutes, you can create delicious dishes even when San Marzano tomatoes are not available.
FAQS
Can I use any kind of canned tomatoes instead of San Marzano tomatoes?
Yes, any type of canned tomato can be used as a substitute. While they may have a slightly different flavor and texture, they will still provide a similar flavor profile to your dish.
How do I balance the acidity of canned tomatoes if I’m replacing them with San Marzano tomatoes?
If you find that canned tomatoes are more acidic than San Marzano tomatoes, you can add a small amount of sugar to balance the acidity. Adjust the amount of sugar to taste.
Are Roma tomatoes a good substitute for fresh San Marzano tomatoes?
Yes, Roma tomatoes are an excellent substitute for fresh San Marzano tomatoes. They have a similar size and flavor profile, making them a suitable alternative in most recipes.
Can I use tomato paste instead of San Marzano tomatoes?
Yes, tomato paste can be used as a substitute, especially if you want to achieve a smooth texture in your dish. Dilute the tomato paste with some broth or water before using it in your recipe.
How many cherry tomatoes should I use to replace one San Marzano tomato?
To compensate for the smaller size of cherry tomatoes, you will need approximately four to five cherry tomatoes to replace one San Marzano tomato in your recipe.
Can I use roasted peppers as a tomato-free substitute for San Marzano tomatoes?
Yes, roasted peppers make an excellent tomato-free substitute. They provide a rich and intense flavor that can complement dishes in a similar way to San Marzano tomatoes.