Chopped tomatoes are a key ingredient in many chilli con carne recipes, providing texture, flavor, and moisture. However, if you find yourself without a can of chopped tomatoes, there are several suitable alternatives you can use.
The most important role played by tomatoes in chilli is adding tangy, tomato flavor. They also provide moisture to the sauce. And the chunks of tomato add texture. So when substituting, you’ll want to consider an ingredient that checks those boxes.
Here are some common questions about substituting for chopped tomatoes in chilli:
Can I use tomato sauce instead of chopped tomatoes?
Yes, tomato sauce or pasta sauce can be used in place of chopped tomatoes. You may want to add a little water if the sauce is especially thick. The sauce won’t have chunks like chopped tomatoes, but it will provide the right tomato flavor.
What about tomato paste or tomato puree?
Tomato paste or tomato puree can work too. Use about 1/4 cup per 14.5 oz can of chopped tomatoes. The paste/puree does not have the same texture, so you may want to add some diced bell pepper or zucchini for chunkiness.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Fresh tomatoes can be substituted for canned. You’ll want ripe, red tomatoes. Figure about 3 medium fresh tomatoes per 14.5 oz can. Dice the fresh tomatoes into pieces to mimic the texture of canned.
Is tomato juice a good stand-in for chopped canned tomatoes?
Tomato juice will provide great tomato flavor, but without the thickness or chunks from tomatoes. Combine it with a spoonful of tomato paste and seasonings to make it more chilli-appropriate.
What about sun-dried tomatoes?
Chopped sun-dried tomatoes can be used in place of regular tomatoes. They have a more concentrated, richer flavor. Use about 1/2 cup chopped rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes per can of chopped tomatoes. Add some of the rehydrating liquid too.
Tomato Sauce or Pasta Sauce
If you have tomato or pasta sauce in the pantry, it can easily stand in for chopped tomatoes in a chilli recipe. The sauce will have a similar tomato flavor and texture as canned chopped tomatoes.
How to substitute: Use the same amount called for of chopped tomatoes. For example, if the recipe says 2 cans (29 oz each) tomatoes, use 58 oz tomato sauce.
You may want to thin the sauce slightly with 1-2 tablespoons of water per cup of sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings after substituting, as canned tomato flavors can vary.
Pros:
– Provides the essential tomato flavor
– Has a similar consistency to chopped tomatoes
– Easy substitution – no adjustments needed
Cons:
– Won’t have tomato chunks
– May be spiced differently than plain tomatoes
Types of tomato sauce
Plain tomato sauce works best to substitute for chopped tomatoes. Marinara and pasta sauces can work too but may have added seasonings that alter the flavor. Avoid heavily seasoned sauces like basil or garlic.
Tomato Paste
Tomato paste is a very concentrated form of tomatoes. Just a small amount can impart big tomato flavor. When using tomato paste in place of chopped tomatoes, be sure to add additional liquid to the chilli.
How to substitute: Use 1/4 cup tomato paste per 14.5 oz can of chopped tomatoes called for. Also add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water or broth per tablespoon of paste.
So if the recipe calls for 2 cans (29 oz each) of tomatoes, use about 1 cup of tomato paste plus 1-2 cups liquid.
Pros:
– Provides strong tomato flavor
– Adds thickness to the chilli
– Long shelf life in the pantry
Cons:
– Won’t provide chunks of tomato
– Needs to be diluted with extra liquid
– Can make chilli too thick if not enough liquid used
Tips for using tomato paste
– Whisk the paste into liquid before adding to the chilli to prevent clumping
– Add the extra liquid gradually until desired consistency is reached
– Season again after substituting, as paste can be saltier than tomatoes
Fresh Tomatoes
Fresh, ripe tomatoes can substitute for canned tomatoes. Choose firm, red tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
How to substitute: Figure about 3 medium fresh tomatoes per 14.5 oz can. Dice the tomatoes into 1/2-inch pieces to mimic the texture of canned.
For 2 cans (29 oz each) of tomatoes, you would need around 6 medium tomatoes, chopped.
Pros:
– Provides fresh tomato flavor
– Gives a chunky texture
– Allows control over tomato variety and ripeness
Cons:
– More prep work required
– Tomatoes need to be in season and ripe
– Difficult to measure exactly compared to canned
Choosing and preparing fresh tomatoes
Look for tomatoes that are fully red and free of blemishes. Tomatoes on the vine are especially flavorful. Core tomatoes and dice into 1/2-inch pieces, removing any excess seeds or juice.
Good tomato varieties for chilli include Roma, cherry, beefsteak, or heirloom. Avoid hydroponic/hothouse tomatoes which lack flavor.
Tomato Juice
Tomato juice can lend great tomato flavor to chilli but lacks the body and texture of chopped tomatoes. Combine it with tomato paste or puree to make it more chilli-friendly.
How to substitute: Use equal parts tomato juice and tomato puree or paste. For 2 cans (29 oz each) tomatoes, use 58 oz tomato juice plus 4-8 oz tomato paste or puree.
Pros:
– Provides tomato flavor
– Allows control over sodium level
– Easy to find and store
Cons:
– Very thin consistency
– Needs paste/puree to thicken
– Won’t have tomato chunks
Tips for using tomato juice
– Use equal parts tomato juice and tomato puree or paste
– Start with less puree/paste and add more to reach desired thickness
– Boost flavor with extra chili powder and cumin
– Can add diced bell pepper or zucchini for texture
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Chopped rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes can successfully stand in for canned tomato chunks. They have a richer, more concentrated tomato flavor.
How to substitute: Use 1/2 cup chopped rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes per 14.5 oz can tomatoes. Also add 2-4 tablespoons of the soaking liquid.
For 2 cans (29 oz each) regular tomatoes, use 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup soaking liquid.
Pros:
– Provides deep, sweet tomato flavor
– Rehydrated tomatoes have a chunky texture
– Allows control over ingredients like oil and seasonings
Cons:
– More expensive than canned tomatoes
– Need to plan ahead to rehydrate
– Stronger flavor profile than regular tomatoes
Rehydrating sun-dried tomatoes
Cover sun-dried tomatoes with hot water or vegetable broth. Let soak 30 minutes to soften. Drain, reserving some liquid, then chop tomatoes. Add liquid to chilli as needed for moisture.
Conclusion
Chopped tomatoes are an integral part of chilli con carne, adding moisture, texture and bright tomato flavor. Luckily, with a little creativity, you can mimic their addition using ingredients you likely have on hand.
Tomato sauce, tomato paste, fresh tomatoes, tomato juice and sun-dried tomatoes can all fill in as substitutes. Just be mindful of the differences in texture and flavor each will provide, and adjust additional liquids and seasonings accordingly.
With the right substitutions and adjustments, you can still enjoy delicious chilli, even without the canned tomatoes. Now get ready to spice up your next taco night!