From curries to pizza, here’s how you can use canned tomatoes in global food to explore different cuisines.
In the colorful mosaic of global cuisines, certain ingredients transcend borders, weaving themselves seamlessly into the fabric of culinary traditions around the world. Among these culinary ambassadors, canned tomatoes stand out as a shining example of how a humble pantry staple has become an indispensable cornerstone of diverse culinary heritages. Here’s how you can use canned tomatoes in the kitchen to explore different global cuisines.
Easy Chicken Curry: Inspired by the flavors of Southeast Asia, this recipe is one your whole family will enjoy. Thanks to ingredients you probably already have on hand (such as canned tomatoes, frozen chicken, and coconut milk), you can whip up this quick and easy main dish in no time at all!
Riccardo’s Old World Sauce: Elevate your pasta game with Riccardo’s Old World Sauce – i.e. a delicious homemade pasta sauce. Inspired by Italian cuisine, this sauce brings a burst of homemade goodness to your plate.
Chicken Tortilla Soup: So much flavor in under 45 minutes! Canned tomatoes, juicy chicken, crisp corn, black beans and classic Mexican spices are all present in this warm and savory tortilla soup.
Shakshuka Pita Pizzas: Combining flavors from Italy and the Middle East, this vegetarian dish is a complete meal thanks to the protein, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats—making it a well-balanced dinner that your whole family will love.
Lentil Walnut Bolognese with Spaghetti: Tomato products provide just the right amount of pizzazz to pasta recipes, such as this hearty, plant-based Lentil Walnut Bolognese with Spaghetti dish.
Easy Gazpacho: This cool, classic Spanish style soup is delicious even on the hottest of days. Packed with the vibrant flavors of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and herbs, it’s a wonderful appetizer or veggie-rich meal accompaniment.
California Walnut Salsa: This nutritious California Walnut Salsa recipe is not only packed with flavor, but it can be prepared in under 10 minutes.
Cooking at home doesn’t have to be complicated! Here’s how you can use canned tomatoes in the kitchen to make nutritious, easy, and affordable meals.
Our fast-paced lifestyles, fueled by the demands of work, family, and social obligations, have catalyzed a paradigm shift in our relationship with food. Time – or rather the lack thereof – has emerged as a critical determinant in shaping consumer preferences. Coupled with the pervasive influence of technology and digitalization, this confluence of factors has spurred a burgeoning demand for convenient meal solutions. In fact, recent statistics show that the global market for convenience foods is projected to reach unprecedented heights, reflecting a seismic shift in purchasing behavior.
Canned tomatoes are one such convenience food item that is also on the rise. Unlike their fresh counterparts, canned tomatoes offer a myriad of advantages that cater to the needs of today’s discerning home cooks. With their year-round availability, extended shelf life, and remarkable versatility in recipes ranging from hearty stews to zesty pasta sauces, canned tomatoes serve as a cornerstone of modern pantry essentials. They are also rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants (such as lycopene) which may reduce the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer.
Cooking at Home with Canned Tomatoes
Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy cooking at home with canned tomatoes:
Spruce up your dinner menu this week with this delicious and simple Swiss Steak recipe. Carefully crafted to delight your taste buds while nourishing your body, this hearty dish features tenderized beef smothered in a savory tomato-based sauce. Are you drooling yet?!
We love this recipe because it is teeming with nutritional qualities. For instance, the canned tomatoes used here have been linked a variety of health benefits (including a reduced risk of cancer and improved heart health), whereas the beef provides a significant source of protein and iron. So, what are you waiting for? Serve this Swiss Steak alongside your favorite vegetable and you have a dinner that’s sure to impress everyone at your table! Learn how to make this recipe here.
Discover our array of diverse recipes, each designed to bring the warmth of traditional family dining to your table. These meals are not only simple to prepare but also budget-friendly, making them perfect for busy households. Tailored to please every palate, our recipes cater to both individual tastes and family-wide preferences. Developed by our multicultural culinary team, these dishes offer a celebration of global flavors, ensuring nutritious, easy-to-make, and affordable meals for you and your family.
Serve this Swiss Steak alongside your favorite vegetable and you have an easy and nutritious dinner that's sure to impress.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time2 hours30 minutes
Total Time2 hours45 minutes
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. All-Purpose Flour
½ Tsp. Paprika
½ Tsp. Garlic Powder
¼ Tsp. Kosher Salt
¼ Tsp. Ground Black Pepper
1 Lb. Round Or Top Round Steak, About An Inch Thick
3 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 Cup Sliced Mushrooms
1 Small Onion, Roughly Chopped
1 Clove Garlic, Chopped
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Thyme And/Or Dried Sage
2 Cups Canned Puréed Tomatoes
4 Small Russet Potatoes, Each Peeled And Cut Into 8 Pieces
2 Large Carrots, Cut Into 2 Inch Segments
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper (20.5 g)(11.5g left in bowl NOT used on steak). Mix well. Rub flour mixture onto both sides of the steak.
Heat 2 Tbsp. of oil in a wide, shallow pan (that has a lid) over medium heat. Place the steak in the pan, and cook for approximately 10 minutes on each side, enough to brown the steak. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
Add mushrooms and saute until beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add another Tbsp. of oil to the pan then add in onions and garlic. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes more and, using a wooden spoon, scrape up any brown bits that have formed on the bottom of the pan.
Return the steak to the pan, placing it on top of the mushroom/onion mixture. Sprinkle the thyme and/or sage on top of the steak. Add in the puréed tomatoes to the pan and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat to the lowest heat possible to maintain a low simmer. Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid and cook for 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes of cooking, turn the steak over and add in the potatoes and carrots. Recover and cook for an additional 1 hour 15 minutes.
The steak should be done after a total cooking time of 2 hours. Check the tenderness of steak and vegetables with a fork.
To serve, remove the steak and slice. Spoon the sauce over the steak and serve with vegetables. Enjoy!
Notes
If you don’t have pureed tomatoes on hand, don’t worry. You can use whole, diced or crushed tomatoes and simply puree them in the blender.
Recipe approved by Ellie Krieger, Culinary Nutritionist (RD) for Tomato Wellness.com
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
Scant ½ cup sauce and vegetables Amount Per Serving:Calories: 430Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3.5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 420mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 5gSugar: 11gProtein: 32g
Indulge in a taste of the Mediterranean with this Tomato Mussels recipe—a delightful fusion of succulent seafood and vibrant flavors that promises to elevate any dining experience. Paired with crusty bread or served atop a bed of al dente pasta, these plump mussels simmered in a rich tomato broth offer a tantalizing blend of sweetness and acidity, which make them perfect for a dinner party with friends or family.
Beyond their exquisite taste, the health benefits of whole canned tomatoes take center stage in this recipe for Tomato Mussels. Bursting with lycopene—an antioxidant known for its potential in promoting bone health, protecting against heart disease and reducing the risk of certain cancers—canned tomatoes lend not only robust flavor but also a nutritional boost to this meal. Moreover, this recipe exemplifies simplicity at its finest, offering a quick and easy dinner option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe is a testament to the beauty of uncomplicated yet delicious dining.
How to cook mussels
Cooking mussels may sound intimating, but it doesn’t need to be! Here are a few easy steps to ensure you make the perfect mussels every time.
Rinse the mussels under cold water, scrubbing them with a brush to remove any debris or sand, and discard any with broken shells or those that do not close when tapped, as they may not be fresh. Once cleaned, check the freshness of the mussels by ensuring their shells are tightly closed or that they close when tapped—if any remain open, they may be dead and should be discarded.
In a large pot, bring your water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cleaned mussels to the pot and cover with a lid.
Check after 3 minutes and remove any open mussels. Continue to boil, uncovering the pot as necessary to remove the mussels as soon as their shells open. Discard any that do not open.
Are mussels good for you?
Yes, mussels are good for you, as they are highly nutritious and offer several health benefits. They are an excellent source of protein and are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin B12, selenium, zinc, and iron. Furthermore, mussels are low in fat and calories, making them a nutritious option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. However, it’s essential to ensure that mussels are sourced from clean waters and cooked properly to avoid potential contamination and foodborne illness.
Discover our array of diverse recipes, each designed to bring the warmth of traditional family dining to your table. These meals are not only simple to prepare but also budget-friendly, making them perfect for busy households. Tailored to please every palate, our recipes cater to both individual tastes and family-wide preferences. Developed by our multicultural culinary team, these dishes offer a celebration of global flavors, ensuring nutritious, easy-to-make, and affordable meals for you and your family.
Paired with crusty bread or served atop a bed of al dente pasta, these plump mussels simmered in a rich tomato broth offer a tantalizing blend of sweetness and acidity, which make them perfect for a dinner party with friends or family.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Ingredients
¼ Cup Olive Oil
1 Medium White Onion, Finely Chopped
6 Cloves Garlic, Minced
3 tbsp. Chopped Fresh Parsley, Plus More For Finishing
1 (28-Oz) Can Whole Tomatoes, Drained And Chopped
¼ tsp. Dried Thyme
¼ tsp. Red-Pepper Flakes
4 Pounds Mussels, Scrubbed And Debearded
⅛ tsp. Ground Black Pepper
Kosher Salt, To Taste
Toasted Bread, Preferably Whole Grain (Optional)
Instructions
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Stir in the parsley, tomatoes, thyme and red-pepper flakes. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
When cleaning mussels, discard any that have broken shells or that don’t clamp shut when tapped. Add the mussels to the pot, bring to a boil and cover. Cook, shaking the pot occasionally, just until the mussels open. Check after 3 minutes and remove any open mussels. Continue to boil, uncovering the pot as necessary to remove the mussels as soon as their shells open. Discard any that do not open.
Stir the black pepper into the broth. Taste the broth and, if needed, add salt. Ladle the broth over the mussels and serve with the toasted bread. Enjoy!
Notes
You need quite a large pot to make this recipe, but if you don’t have one big enough, you can always halve the recipe (so it serves 2) and make it in a pot such as one you might use to boil pasta.
Recipe approved by Ellie Krieger, Culinary Nutritionist (RD) for Tomato Wellness.com
Brunch is served with this incredibly delicious Tomato Pesto Spinach Frittata! Bursting with the freshness of diced tomatoes, the earthy goodness of spinach, and the aromatic essence of basil pesto, this dish is a true celebration of vibrant ingredients and will be a true standout on any brunch table.
Not only is this recipe bursting with flavor, but it’s also packed full of nutrition. Rich in protein, high in antioxidants (such as lycopene), and teeming with vitamins, this recipe is sure to make you glow from the inside out. We also love the addition of diced tomatoes in this frittata recipe, especially since research shows they play a role in promoting heart health and reducing the risk of certain cancers.
So, whether you’re looking to elevate your weekend breakfast spread or seeking a nutritious yet flavorful dish for any occasion, this Tomato Pesto Spinach Frittata promises to be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. So, fire up your stove and whip out your cutting board – it’s time to give this recipe a try!
Frittata vs quiche
The main difference between a frittata and a quiche lies in their preparation and presentation.
Quiche: a quiche traditionally features a pastry crust, providing a flaky texture and often made with ingredients like flour, butter, and sometimes herbs or cheese. This crust is filled with a mixture of eggs, cream, cheese, and various fillings before being baked in the oven.
Frittata: a frittata is crustless, eliminating the need for pastry preparation and simplifying the cooking process. The eggs and fillings are combined and cooked together in a skillet on the stovetop before finishing in the oven or under a broiler. This makes frittatas a quicker and more accessible option for a hearty egg dish.
Discover our array of diverse recipes, each designed to bring the warmth of traditional family dining to your table. These meals are not only simple to prepare but also budget-friendly, making them perfect for busy households. Tailored to please every palate, our recipes cater to both individual tastes and family-wide preferences. Developed by our multicultural culinary team, these dishes offer a celebration of global flavors, ensuring nutritious, easy-to-make, and affordable meals for you and your family.
Bursting with the freshness of diced tomatoes, the earthy goodness of spinach, and the aromatic essence of basil pesto, this Tomato Pesto Spinach Frittata is a true celebration of vibrant ingredients and will be a true standout on any brunch table.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Ingredients
6 Large Eggs
¼ Cup 1% Low-Fat Milk
2 tbsp. Store-Bought Basil Pesto
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
¼ tsp. Kosher Salt
½ tsp. Ground Black Pepper
1 tbsp. Olive Oil
½ Small Red Onion, Thinly Sliced
2 Cups Spinach, Chopped
1 (14.5 Oz) Can Petite Diced Tomatoes, Drained
1 Cup Fresh Or Frozen Mixed Vegetables, Diced (E.G. Broccoli, Zucchini, Asparagus, Carrot, Peas, Cauliflower, Mushrooms)
Fresh Parsley, For Garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Whisk together the eggs, milk, pesto, garlic powder, salt, pepper and set aside.
In a large, oven safe skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and saute until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add in spinach, tomatoes and vegetables of choice; sauté until the spinach is wilted and veggies are tender.
Add egg mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to the oven and bake until puffed and center is just set, 10 to 12 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes. Run a spatula around the edge and beneath before slicing into wedges. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
Freeze any leftover pesto in an ice cube tray, then pop the cubes into a freezer bag so you have them on hand to add flavor to sauces and stews, or make this dish again (which you will definitely want to do!).
Recipe approved by Ellie Krieger, Culinary Nutritionist (RD) for Tomato Wellness.com
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