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Best Substitutes for Tomato Sauce — What to Use Instead

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Tomato Paste + Water: 1/2 cup paste + 1/2 cup water per 1 cup sauce — Closest substitute. Adjust consistency as needed.

Canned Diced Tomatoes (blended): 1:1 — Blend until smooth. May be slightly chunkier.

Overview

Top substitute for tomato sauce: Tomato Paste + Water (1/2 cup paste + 1/2 cup water per 1 cup sauce). Closest substitute. Adjust consistency as needed. Plus 3 more alternatives.

Key Details

  • Tomato Paste + Water: 1/2 cup paste + 1/2 cup water per 1 cup sauce — Closest substitute. Adjust consistency as needed.
  • Canned Diced Tomatoes (blended): 1:1 — Blend until smooth. May be slightly chunkier.
  • Ketchup + Water: 1/2 cup ketchup + 1/2 cup water — Emergency substitute. Sweeter than tomato sauce.
  • Fresh Tomatoes (cooked): 1.5 lbs per 1 cup sauce — Cook down fresh tomatoes. Season to taste.

Why This Matters

  • Tomato Sauce is a common ingredient that may need substituting
  • Dietary restrictions (vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free) may require alternatives
  • Sometimes you simply run out of an ingredient mid-recipe
  • Allergies or intolerances may necessitate a swap

How To

  1. 1Best overall substitute: Tomato Paste + Water at 1/2 cup paste + 1/2 cup water per 1 cup sauce
  2. 2Consider the role of the ingredient (flavor, texture, binding, leavening)
  3. 3Test substitutes in small batches first
  4. 4Adjust other ingredients as noted for best results
  5. 5Some substitutes work better in certain recipes than others

Tags

substitutesvegantomato-sauceingredient-swapcooking-tips

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Frequently Asked Questions

The best substitute for tomato sauce is Tomato Paste + Water at 1/2 cup paste + 1/2 cup water per 1 cup sauce. Closest substitute. Adjust consistency as needed.