aka

tomato purée, passata di pomodoro

What is it?

Packaged strained tomatoes and canned tomato purée are made from tomatoes that have been cooked briefly and strained, usually without any extra spices or seasonings. The result is a thick liquid that’s smoother than crushed tomatoes, but thinner than tomato paste. It’s perfect to use in pasta and pizza sauces, braises, and stews.

Don’t have it?

Depending on what you’re using it for, you can substitute crushed tomatoes, passing it through the blender if necessary to create a smoother texture. In a pinch, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of tomato paste mixed with enough water to make 1 cup.

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Recipes

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  Recipe

  Lasagna Bolognese

  This classic lasagna layers homemade Bolognese sauce with noodles and bechamel, rather than ricotta.

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  Oven-Braised Celery Hearts with Pancetta

  Minced celery is an essential flavor base for many soups, stews, and sauces, but sometimes, this aromatic vegetable deserves to be the star of the show, as it is here,…

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  Recipe

  Sofrito Scallops with Saffron Rice

  Used with everything from beans to meat to fish, the versatile tomato-based sauce called sofrito is the soul of Latin American and Caribbean food. In this Cuban-inspired dish, bay scallops…

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  Recipe

  Curried Lamb with Apricots and Almonds

  This sweet and aromatic curry is based on the traditional sali boti of Parsi cuisine in western India. For the best flavor, use dried Turkish apricots, which will provide a…

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  Recipe

  Pasta with Sicilian Pork and Sausage Ragù

  When Italian-Americans talk about “Sunday sauce” or “gravy,” they mean this classic southern Italian ragù. Tomatoes are prominent, and the sauce’s flavor is brightened by the fennel in the sausages.

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  Palak Paneer (Spinach with Indian Cheese)

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  Classic Manhattan Clam Chowder

  This chowder is a great change of pace from the creamy New England version. With its base of stock and tomatoes, rather than roux and cream, it’s lighter and a…

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  Recipe

  Lamb Stew with Parsnips, Prunes, and Chickpeas

  North African in spirit, this hearty sweet and savory stew is perfect for the season. Serve it with couscous or good crusty bread.

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  Recipe

  Pork Tamales with Double-Chile Sauce

  There are different styles of tamales throughout Latin America, but their essential components—masa, a filling, and a wrapper—are the same. Wrapped in corn husks and served with a smoky chile…