What to Do with Whole Canned Tomatoes: A Guide to Delicious Dishes
Whole canned tomatoes are a pantry staple that often sit on the shelf, waiting for the right recipe to bring them to life. They are versatile, full of flavor, and can be used in a wide array of dishes. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or prepping for a dinner party, whole canned tomatoes can easily elevate your meals with a burst of fresh, garden-grown taste. This guide will explore several creative and delicious ways to use whole canned tomatoes, transforming them from a simple canned good into a star ingredient in your kitchen.
What Are Whole Canned Tomatoes?
Whole canned tomatoes are, as the name suggests, tomatoes that have been harvested, peeled, and then canned whole. Typically packed in either their own juice or a light tomato puree, these tomatoes are an excellent substitute for fresh tomatoes when the fresh ones aren’t in season or when you’re short on time. The preservation process ensures that the tomatoes retain a deep, rich flavor, making them an ideal base for sauces, soups, stews, and more.
The great thing about whole canned tomatoes is that they often retain a better texture and a more vibrant flavor than other canned varieties, such as crushed or diced tomatoes. The integrity of the whole tomato allows you to control the size of the pieces and adjust them to your needs, whether you’re making a chunky marinara sauce or a silky smooth soup.
Why Choose Whole Canned Tomatoes?
Flavor: Whole canned tomatoes typically have a fresher taste than their chopped counterparts, making them perfect for sauces and dishes where tomato flavor is the focus.
Versatility: You can easily chop, crush, or puree them, depending on your recipe. This flexibility is what makes them so adaptable to a variety of dishes.
Convenience: Whole canned tomatoes are available year-round and are incredibly easy to store. Unlike fresh tomatoes that can spoil quickly, these are a pantry item that lasts.
Texture: Because they’re packed in juice or puree, whole canned tomatoes tend to hold their shape better than diced tomatoes, which can sometimes get mushy.
Creative Ways to Use Whole Canned Tomatoes
1. Classic Marinara Sauce
One of the most common and delicious ways to use whole canned tomatoes is by making a classic marinara sauce. This simple recipe allows the natural flavor of the tomatoes to shine. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
2 cans of whole canned tomatoes (about 28 ounces each)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the whole canned tomatoes, crushing them with your hands or using a spoon to break them up. Add the dried oregano and basil.
Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If desired, add fresh basil leaves toward the end of cooking for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve over pasta, use as a pizza sauce, or pair with meatballs for a hearty meal.
2. Tomato Soup
Transform your whole canned tomatoes into a comforting bowl of tomato soup. This dish is perfect for chilly days or as a starter for a dinner party.
Ingredients:
2 cans of whole canned tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and carrot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Add the whole canned tomatoes and their juice, along with the broth and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes.
Use an immersion blender or regular blender to purée the soup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
For a creamy tomato soup, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
3. Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
For a light appetizer or a perfect summer snack, use whole canned tomatoes to make a fresh and flavorful bruschetta.
Ingredients:
1 can of whole canned tomatoes, drained and chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 baguette, sliced
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toast the baguette slices in the oven or on a grill pan until golden and crispy.
Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toasted bread and serve immediately.
4. Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a North African and Middle Eastern dish made of poached eggs in a spicy, flavorful tomato sauce. It’s an ideal way to use whole canned tomatoes for a hearty breakfast or dinner.
Ingredients:
2 cans of whole canned tomatoes, crushed
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
4 eggs
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the crushed tomatoes, cumin, paprika, and chili flakes. Stir and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Make four wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the eggs are done to your liking.
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve with warm pita bread.
5. Chunky Tomato Salsa
For a fresh, zesty addition to tacos, grilled meats, or as a dip for tortilla chips, make a chunky tomato salsa with your whole canned tomatoes.
Ingredients:
1 can of whole canned tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 small red onion, finely diced
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
Stir in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
Let the salsa sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop before serving.
6. Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
Whole canned tomatoes can even be used to create a hearty, Italian-inspired salad, perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
1 can of whole canned tomatoes, drained and sliced
1 ball of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Arrange the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella on a platter.
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
7. Hearty Chili
Whole canned tomatoes are a great base for a chunky and flavorful chili. The tomatoes add depth and sweetness to the dish.
Ingredients:
2 cans of whole canned tomatoes, crushed
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large pot, brown the ground meat over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
Add the crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
Add the beans and simmer the chili for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Conclusion
Whole canned tomatoes are an indispensable ingredient in the kitchen, offering a rich and versatile base for a wide range of dishes. Whether you're making a classic marinara sauce, a comforting soup, or an exciting shakshuka, whole canned tomatoes allow you to bring depth and flavor to your cooking. Stock up on them and let your culinary creativity run wild!
