What Is Tomato Puree In Australia? (+ Substitutes)
In Australia, the term “tomato puree” can lead to some confusion as it may refer to either tomato passata or Australian Leggos tomato puree. Understanding the distinctions between these products, their potential substitutes, and where to purchase them is essential for navigating the culinary landscape.
If you come across “tomato puree” in general recipes, which mostly are American, then it most likely means Tomato Passata in Australia. Terminology differs from country to country.
What is Tomato Passata?
Tomato Passata is a type of tomato that has been puréed and strained. It’s made entirely of tomatoes with no additions or tastes, but it might have added salt.
It has a lovely, uniform texture and is ideal for thick tomato-based sauces. It’s smooth, not chunky or lumpy as crushed or chopped tomatoes. And it makes delicious sauce thickness.
How to use it?
You can use tomato passata in many different ways:
In the United States or Canada, tomato passata is best replaced with tomato puree.
Tomato puree and passata are made similarly, so they can be swapped in recipes, maintaining taste and texture. Tomato paste, diluted with water or stock, can replace tomato passata.
What is the difference between Tomato Passata and Tomato paste?
Tomato paste is awesome for giving your stews and curries a flavor boost, thanks to its thick, concentrated texture. The secret behind its rich taste? The tomatoes are cooked for ages, giving your dishes a deep, savory yumminess!
On the other hand, tomato passata offers a smoother consistency and is a preferable option for pasta sauces, pizzas, and other recipes that benefit from a lighter touch. Additionally, tomato passata is more cost-effective due to its simpler production process.
Ultimately, understanding the distinctions between tomato paste and passata will help you make better-informed choices when cooking your favorite tomato-based delights.
What is the difference between Tomato Passata and US Tomato sauce?
In the United States, tomato sauce commonly refers to a ketchup-like condiment made from a blend of ripe tomatoes, tangy vinegar, sweet sugar, savory salt, and various aromatic spices. This versatile sauce is a beloved staple in numerous kitchens and households, often used to add a burst of flavor and zest to dishes ranging from hamburgers and hotdogs to fries and even meatloaf. With its unique balance of tastes and textures, the Americanized tomato sauce elevates simple meals into more delightful culinary experiences.
Tomato passata doesn’t have any additional flavors or ingredients aside from tomatoes.
So if you’re looking for a simple tomato flavour sauce that will compliment your dish without overshadowing it, then tomato passata is a better option.
Leggos Tomato Puree
For authentic Australian-made tomato puree, try Leggos Tomato Puree, crafted with 100% Australian ingredients. Its smooth consistency is perfect for thickening tomato-based sauces and condiments.
A bowl of tomato puree. Credit: Canva
What is Tomato Puree?
What is the definition of Tomato Puree?
Tomato Puree is the perfect way to enjoy the taste of fresh tomatoes anytime you want. Whether you’re cooking up a storm in the kitchen or just looking for a quick and easy snack, Tomato Puree is a delicious and nutritious choice.
A tomato puree is canned tomatoes prepared from cooked, strained tomatoes. The consistency of tomato puree is less thick than tomato paste. In reality, for many brands, it’s made with tomato paste and water.
It’s usually sold in 10 to 15-ounce cans.
What is the Difference between Tomato Puree and Tomato Paste?
Compared to tomato puree, tomato paste is a much thicker and more concentrated paste of tomatoes.
Here are several differences between the two.
Preparation method
Tomato purée is prepared by simmering tomatoes gently before puréeing them into a liquid.
Tomato paste, on the other hand, is cooked for a longer time than its puréed counterpart. The seeds and skins are removed from the cooked tomatoes before they’re cooked again to turn the concentrate into a thick paste.
Consistency
Tomato purée has a thinner consistency than tomato paste.
Intensity of flavor
The flavor of tomato paste is richer than that of tomato purée since it has been cooked for a longer time. The hours spent overheating result in a product with greater depths of flavor, which is comparable to a dried tomato.
In comparison to tomato paste, tomato puree has a sweet flavor, milder, and fresher flavor.
Uses
Tomato paste is made of concentrated tomatoes which are a common thickener and flavoring agent in soups and stews.
Tomato purée is used in the creation of thinner tomato-based sauces and condiments such as salsas, hot sauce, marinara sauce, and pizza sauce as a base.
Can You Substitute One for the Other?
You can substitute tomato puree with tomato paste. You just need to dilute tomato paste with water. To make ½ cup tomato puree, mix ¼ cup tomato paste with ¼ cup water.
However, you cannot substitute tomato paste with tomato puree, since the pureed tomato is much thinner than the paste version.
Tomato puree. Credit: Canva
What are Tomato Puree Substitutes?
Tomato Paste + Water
If you find yourself in need of a substitute for tomato puree while cooking, fear not – there’s a simple and effective solution at hand. The best alternative is to use tomato paste combined with water. By doing so, you’ll achieve a thinner sauce that closely resembles the consistency and flavor profile of tomato puree. To create this easy stand-in, simply mix equal parts tomato paste and water until you reach your desired thickness, adjusting as needed.
This handy workaround not only saves you from making an extra trip to the store for tomato puree but also ensures your dish maintains its delicious taste and texture. With this quick and practical substitution, you can effortlessly continue to create your culinary masterpiece without missing a beat.
Tomato Sauce
Another good substitute for tomato puree is tomato sauce. Tomato sauce is a ketchup-based sauce that is made with tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices.
It’s thicker than tomato puree and has a stronger flavor, so it’s best used in dishes such as stews and curries.
The pizza sauce is flavored, often with garlic or herbs, whereas tomato puree is unflavored. But, a pinch will not make any big difference to the dish.
Tomato Sauce in Australia
What is the difference between Tomato Sauce and Ketchup in Australia?
Australian tomato sauce differs from American ketchup in taste and texture. Ketchup has a stronger, tangier flavor and thicker consistency due to vinegar, sugar, and salt. In contrast, Australian tomato sauce is smoother and milder, making it ideal for pizzas or dipping sauces.
Australians grew up with tomato sauce and they love it. However, they are not familiar with ketchup.
It is interesting that the most popular ketchup brand in America, Heinz, has spent decades trying to sell ketchup to the Australian public. And it is not very successful.
Australia’s best tomato sauce revealed
What is the best tomato sauce in Australia? Here is the list, based on IGA’s community votes:
Community Co A Squeeze Of Tomato Sauce ($1.50) – 79%
Ozesauce Australian All Natural Tomato Sauce ($3) – 72%
Heinz Tomato Ketchup 50% Less Added Sugar & Salt ($3.20) – 57%
Coles Tomato Ketchup ($2.50) – 56%
MasterFoods Tomato Sauce Reduced Salt & Sugar ($2.95) – 54%
Fountain Tomato Sauce ($2) – 53%
Black & Gold Tomato Sauce ($1.80) – 52%
Celebrate Health Tomato Sauce ($5) – 51%
Three Threes Family Recipe Tomato Sauce $2.99) – 50%
Beerenberg Tomato Sauce ($4.75) – 44%
You can buy the Australian tomato sauce at grocery stores and online stores all over Australia.
The Australian & New Zealand tomato sauce market is highly fragmented with the large presence of a large number of major players including Kraft Heinz Company (Australia), Simplot Australia (Australia), Rosella (Australia), Mars Incorporated (Australia), Groenz (Australia), Del Monte (Australia), Annalisa (Australia), Muir Glen (USA) and Renfro Foods (USA).
