Tomato Sauce Vs Strained Tomatoes: The Pros And Cons Of Using

When it comes to cooking, tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Two popular options for using tomatoes are tomato sauce and strained tomatoes. While both products offer a rich tomato flavor, they have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different culinary applications. In this blog post, we will compare tomato sauce vs strained tomatoes, highlighting their differences, advantages, and disadvantages to help you make an informed choice for your next recipe.

What is Tomato Sauce?

Tomato sauce is a cooked sauce made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. It typically has a smooth, thick consistency and a tangy, flavorful taste. The cooking process involves simmering the tomatoes until they break down and release their juices, which are then blended or strained to create a smooth sauce.

What are Strained Tomatoes?

Strained tomatoes, also known as passata, are a puree made from cooked tomatoes that have been passed through a sieve or food mill to remove the skins, seeds, and any remaining pulp. This process results in a smooth, velvety puree with a concentrated tomato flavor. Unlike tomato sauce, strained tomatoes do not contain any added ingredients such as onions, garlic, or herbs.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Tomato Sauce

Advantages:

• Rich flavor: Tomato sauce offers a robust tomato flavor due to the addition of onions, garlic, and herbs during the cooking process.
• Versatile: Tomato sauce can be used in a wide range of dishes, including pasta, pizza, soups, and stews.
• Convenient: Pre-made tomato sauces are readily available in grocery stores, saving time and effort.

Disadvantages:

• Added ingredients: Tomato sauce contains additional ingredients that may not be desired in certain recipes.
• Can be acidic: The acidity of tomatoes can be a drawback for some dishes, especially for those with sensitive stomachs.
• Limited shelf life: Homemade tomato sauce has a shorter shelf life compared to strained tomatoes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Strained Tomatoes

Advantages:

• Pure tomato flavor: Strained tomatoes provide a pure, concentrated tomato flavor without any added ingredients.
• Versatile: Strained tomatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, including sauces, soups, stews, and dips.
• Long shelf life: Strained tomatoes have a longer shelf life compared to tomato sauce, making them a convenient pantry staple.

Disadvantages:

• Less flavorful: Strained tomatoes lack the added flavors of onions, garlic, and herbs, which can make them less flavorful than tomato sauce.
• Requires more preparation: Strained tomatoes require more preparation if you are making them from scratch, as they need to be cooked and passed through a sieve or food mill.
• Less convenient: Strained tomatoes are not as readily available as tomato sauce in grocery stores.

When to Use Tomato Sauce vs Strained Tomatoes

The choice between tomato sauce and strained tomatoes depends on the specific recipe and desired outcome.

• Use tomato sauce: If you want a rich, flavorful sauce with added ingredients, tomato sauce is the better choice. It is ideal for dishes where a robust tomato flavor is desired, such as pasta, pizza, and stews.
• Use strained tomatoes: If you prefer a pure tomato flavor without any added ingredients, strained tomatoes are the better choice. They are ideal for dishes where a concentrated tomato flavor is desired, such as soups, sauces, and dips.

How to Make Tomato Sauce vs Strained Tomatoes

Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add the tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and broken down.
5. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the sauce until smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Strained Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ripe tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Cut the tomatoes in half and remove the seeds.
2. Place the tomatoes in a large pot and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and broken down.
4. Pass the tomatoes through a sieve or food mill to remove the skins, seeds, and any remaining pulp.

Summary

Whether you choose tomato sauce or strained tomatoes, both products offer a delicious and versatile way to incorporate tomatoes into your cooking. By understanding the differences between the two, you can make an informed decision based on your specific recipe and taste preferences. Whether you prefer the rich flavor of tomato sauce or the pure tomato taste of strained tomatoes, both options will add a touch of culinary magic to your dishes.