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
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
Enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean with this recipe for Mofongo! Thanks to the burst of flavor and added health benefits from the pineapple salsa, this vegetarian Mofongo recipe is sure to please everyone at your table!
What is mofongo?
Mofongo is a Puerto Rican dish that features plantains as the main ingredient. While this traditional recipe often calls for pork, we love that this one is a vegetarian version.
Making mofongo
Making mofongo is easier than you might think! Start by frying up ripe plantains until they’re beautifully caramelized. Then, mash them together with garlic, salt, and a touch of adobo seasoning until you achieve a delightful mash. Top it off with a pineapple salsa made with canned tomatoes, and voila – dinner is served!
Health benefits
We’ve already mentioned that this recipe uses pineapple salsa, which is a delicious way to enjoy canned tomatoes. This convenient pantry staple not only packs a punch with flavor, but it stands out even more when it comes to nutritional value. Rich in vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, canned tomatoes offer a boost to your immune system and promote healthy skin and bones. Plus, they’re a convenient way to add vibrant flavor and depth to dishes like this one.
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