Tomato puree and sauce are both widely used in Italian cuisine, but what is the difference between them?

To the novice cook, tomato puree and sauce may look similar, however they have key differences in texture, ingredients and taste.

In this article we will explore the different properties of each to help you decide which one is best suited for your cooking needs.

Tomato Puree vs Sauce

Tomato puree and sauce are two different forms of tomato products commonly used in Italian cuisine. Tomato puree is made from cooked tomatoes that are blended into a thick, smooth liquid without any added seasonings or ingredients. It is thicker than tomato juice and has a slightly sweet taste. Tomato sauce, on the other hand, is made from tomatoes that have been cooked for an extended period of time with added seasonings and other ingredients such as garlic, onions and herbs. It is thinner than pureed tomatoes and has a more intense flavor.

Purpose of the Comparison

The purpose of this comparison is to help the reader decide which tomato product is best suited for their cooking needs. Tomato puree and sauce can be used in a variety of ways, such as in soups, sauces, dressings and stews. Depending on the recipe or dish being prepared, one may be more suitable than the other. Therefore, it is important to understand the differences between the two and how they can be used.

Tomato Puree

Description of Tomato Puree

Tomato puree is a thick, smooth liquid made from cooked tomatoes. It is thicker than tomato juice and has a slightly sweet taste. It has no added seasonings or ingredients, making it more versatile than other forms of tomato products. Additionally, it contains natural pectin which helps to thicken the puree when cooked. Tomato puree is often used in soup bases, sauces and dressings.

Uses of Tomato Puree

Tomato puree is a versatile ingredient used in a variety of dishes. It can be used as a base for soups and stews, or added to sauces, dressings and marinades for extra flavor. It is also commonly used in lasagna, pizza sauce, meatloaf and other Italian dishes. Additionally, it can be used to add a creamy texture to smoothies or blended into yogurt for added flavor.

Pros and Cons of Tomato Puree

Tomato puree has a number of advantages as well as some drawbacks. One of the main benefits of tomato puree is its versatility. It has a thick, smooth texture that can be used to make soups, sauces, dressings, and marinades. Additionally, it does not contain any added seasonings or ingredients, which makes it a great choice for those who want to customize their dishes. The natural pectin in tomato puree also helps to thicken it when cooked, making it ideal for sauces and soups.

On the downside, tomato puree does not have as intense of a flavor as other forms of tomatoes like sauce or paste. Additionally, it can be more time consuming to prepare than other forms since it requires cooking down the tomatoes first.

Tomato Sauce

Description of Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is a thinner version of tomato puree made from cooked tomatoes with added seasonings and other ingredients, such as garlic, onions and herbs. It has a more intense flavor than tomato puree due to the added ingredients and longer cooking time. It is commonly used in pasta dishes, pizza sauces, lasagna and other Italian dishes. It can also be used as a base for soups and stews.

Uses of Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is a popular ingredient used in many Italian dishes. It is commonly used as a pizza sauce, pasta sauce or lasagna filling. It can also be used to add flavor and texture to soups, stews and casseroles. Additionally, it can be used to make sauces for grilled meats and vegetables or added to marinades for extra flavor.

Pros and Cons of Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce has some advantages as well as some drawbacks. One of the main benefits of tomato sauce is its intense flavor, which comes from the added seasonings and ingredients. Additionally, it can be prepared relatively quickly compared to other forms of tomatoes like puree or paste. It is also very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pasta sauces, pizza sauces, stews and casseroles.

On the downside, tomato sauce can be too intense for some recipes and may overpower other flavors. Additionally, it can contain added sugar or salt, which can make it unhealthy for some diets.

Differences Between Tomato Puree and Sauce

Production Process

Tomato puree and tomato sauce are both made from cooked tomatoes, but they differ in the type of ingredients added and the length of cooking time required. For tomato puree, tomatoes are cooked down until they reach a thick consistency and then strained to remove skins and seeds. The puree is then heated to reduce its water content while still retaining its flavor and texture. Tomato sauce is also made from cooked tomatoes, but it is seasoned with additional ingredients such as herbs, spices and garlic and simmered for a longer period of time to allow the flavors to blend together.

Texture

Tomato puree and tomato sauce differ in their texture as well. Tomato puree has a thicker consistency than tomato sauce, making it ideal for soups, stews and sauces that require a thick base. Its thick consistency also makes it easy to blend into smoothies or yogurt for added flavor. Tomato sauce has a thinner texture than puree and is often used in pasta dishes and pizza sauces, as it coats the noodles or pizza crust easily.

Taste

The taste of tomato puree and sauce can vary depending on the type of tomatoes used and the additional ingredients added to them. Tomato puree has a milder flavor than tomato sauce due to the lack of seasonings. It has a sweet, yet slightly acidic taste that is perfect for adding depth of flavor to dishes. Tomato sauce, on the other hand, has an intense flavor due to the added ingredients and longer cooking time. It has a sweet and tangy taste that pairs well with many dishes.

Shelf Life

The shelf life of tomato puree and sauce depends on how it is stored. Tomato puree can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It should be used within this time period as its flavor and texture will start to degrade after a week. Tomato sauce, on the other hand, can last up to three months when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Which One to Use?

Factors to Consider

When deciding between tomato puree and sauce, there are several factors to consider.

First, think about the type of dish you are preparing and the texture you want to achieve. Tomato puree is thicker and more versatile than sauce, making it a great choice for soups, stews, sauces and smoothies.

On the other hand, tomato sauce has a thinner texture that is ideal for pasta dishes and pizza sauces. Additionally, consider the flavor you want to create; tomato puree has a milder taste than sauce, while tomato sauce is more intense due to its added seasonings. Lastly, take into account the shelf life of each product; tomato puree can only be stored for one week, while tomato sauce can last up to three months in the refrigerator.

Recipes for Tomato Puree and Sauce

Tomato puree and sauce can both be used in a variety of recipes, ranging from soups to sauces. For tomato puree, consider using it to enhance the flavor of stews and soups or as a base for creamy sauces. Tomato puree can also be blended with yogurt or milk for smoothies or added to dips for extra flavor. When using tomato sauce, use it as a base for pasta dishes and pizza sauces or as an ingredient in other cooked dishes.

Conclusion

When deciding between tomato puree and sauce, the most important factor to consider is the type of dish you are preparing. Tomato puree has a thicker consistency and milder flavor, making it ideal for soups, stews, sauces, smoothies, and dips. Tomato sauce has a thinner texture and intense flavor, making it perfect for pasta dishes and pizza sauces. Additionally, consider each product’s shelf life; tomato puree can only be stored for one week, while tomato sauce can last up to three months in the refrigerator.