Canned tomatoes are a versatile pantry staple that can be used in a variety of ways. Here are 4 reasons why you should always keep a can (or two) on hand.
When it comes to budget-friendly pantry staples, canned tomatoes stand out as a versatile, nutritious, and cost-effective option. Here are four reasons why these humble canned goods should be a pantry staple in your household.
1. Affordability
Canned tomatoes are a budget-savvy choice, often priced competitively compared to their fresh counterparts. Particularly during off-seasons or in regions where fresh tomatoes are expensive or unavailable, canned varieties provide a wallet-friendly alternative without compromising on quality or flavor. The cost-effectiveness of canned tomatoes makes them accessible to households of all income levels, contributing significantly to their popularity as a pantry essential.
2. Extended Shelf Life
One of the most compelling advantages of canned tomatoes is their extended shelf life. Unlike fresh tomatoes, which have a relatively short window of peak freshness, canned tomatoes are preserved through canning techniques, allowing them to be stored for months without spoiling. This longevity minimizes food waste and enables consumers to buy in bulk, taking advantage of discounts and promotions without concerns about rapid spoilage.
3. Versatility in the Kitchen
From soups and sauces to stews and salsas, canned tomatoes serve as a foundational ingredient in countless recipes. Their robust flavor profile and rich texture enhance dishes across various cuisines, making them indispensable in the kitchen. Whether diced, crushed, whole, or in the form of puree, canned tomatoes offer versatility and convenience, requiring minimal preparation while imparting depth and complexity to meals. Additionally, their availability year-round ensures consistent access to this essential ingredient for cooking enthusiasts and professional chefs alike.
4. Nutritional Value
Contrary to common misconceptions, canned tomatoes retain their nutritional value remarkably well during the canning process. Rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, such as vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, canned tomatoes offer a wholesome addition to meals. Lycopene, in particular, has been associated with various health benefits, including reduced risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Incorporating canned tomatoes into your diet can thus contribute to overall health and well-being without breaking the bank.
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.
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
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
Convenience meets nutrition with this easy One Pot Chicken Fajita recipe. Inspired by the lively spirit of Mexican cuisine, this dish promises to elevate your taste buds while nourishing your body with every savory bite. Plus, one-pot meals are a game-changer for busy people who want a wholesome and delicious meal without the hassle of multiple dishes. By combining all the ingredients in a single pot, this recipe simplifies the cooking process and locks in the flavors, which results in a dish that’s sure to be on the regular meal rotation.
At the heart of this One Pot Chicken Fajita recipe lies the humble canned tomatoes, a pantry staple revered for its versatility and nutritional prowess. Packed with essential nutrients, canned tomatoes offer a myriad of health benefits that go beyond mere flavor enhancement. Thanks to nutrients like potassium, lycopene, and fiber, canned tomatoes play a crucial role in heart health, reducing the risk of certain cancers, and improving digestion health. We love a single ingredient that works overtime, especially for our health!
So, head to the kitchen and get ready to savor the goodness of this One Pot Chicken Fajita recipe – we hope you love it as much as we do!
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.
Convenience meets nutrition with this easy One Pot Chicken Fajita recipe. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is sure to be the new star on your menu rotation!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
3 Cups Sliced Bell Pepper, Any Color
2 Cups Sliced White Onion
1 Pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cut Into Thin Slices
1 Tsp. Chili Powder
1/2 Tsp. Ground Cumin
1 (14.5 Oz) Can Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, Drained
Serving Suggestions: Sour Cream Or Yogurt, Sliced Avocado Or Guacamole, Salsa, Shredded Cheese
Instructions
Prep your ingredients then add 1 Tbsp. olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
Add bell peppers and onion and cook for 7 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet; set aside.
Heat remaining Tbsp. of oil in the skillet then add the chicken. Sprinkle with chili powder and cumin and saute for 4-6 minutes or until no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
Return peppers and onion to skillet; add drained tomatoes. Cook 2 minutes more or until hot.
Divide chicken mixture evenly between tortillas and top with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
For a fun, stress-free dinner, serve these fajitas just like you would tacos, where you put out all the fixin’s and let everyone build their own at the table.
Recipe approved by Ellie Krieger, Culinary Nutritionist (RD) for Tomato Wellness.com
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