Sun dried tomatoes give an intense burst of sweet-tart flavour with a chewy texture to your meals. They are great for adding to dishes such as pasta, stir-fries, stews, as well as salads. If you have run out of sun-dried tomatoes in your kitchen there are plenty of substitutes you can use in their place. Below is a description of some of the best alternatives for sun dried tomatoes.
Contents
Semi Dried Tomatoes
Our first alternative for sun dried tomatoes are semi dried tomatoes. Semi dried tomatoes make an excellent substitute for the sundried product because they have been dried for just as long, so they are sweeter and have a softer texture. Although not exactly the same, semi sun dried tomatoes are fairly close, plus some people may enjoy their less-intense flavour more than the sun dried tomatoes. Semi sun dried tomatoes are a versatile option suitable for any recipe. You can use semi dried tomatoes in any meal that may require sun dried tomatoes. You can also put the same amount of semi dried tomatoes in place of sun dried tomatoes in any of your recipes.
Canned Tomatoes
Another suitable alternative for sun dried tomatoes are canned tomatoes. You can use canned tomatoes for almost any dish that requires sun dried tomatoes and the peeled ones are a good back-up option for your sauces. Canned tomatoes will provide a similar flavour profile, which is only less intense. You will also find that canned tomatoes produce a thinner sauce that can be easily thickened by adding a scoop of tomato paste. Canned tomatoes are some of your best alternative options for dried tomatoes. For a quarter cup of sundried tomatoes simply substitute with three quarters cup canned tomatoes that have been drained to your dish for the best results.
Tomato Paste
Another alternative to sun dried tomatoes is tomato paste. Tomato paste has an intense flavour that is similar to that of sundried tomatoes. In fact, tomato paste is a great choice for curries, soups, or any other type of dish that requires a tomato flavour. Keep in mind that whilst tomato paste is great for thickening food, it will not add the texture that you will get from using whole tomatoes but it is still a great option if you need a substitute for sun dried tomatoes.
Tomato Puree
Also on our list of best substitutes for sun dried tomatoes is tomato puree. Your recipe will benefit greatly from a dense tomato liquid such as puree. Tomato puree is made from cooked tomatoes that have been strained. Take note that tomato puree does not have as much flavour and intensity as sun dried tomatoes. Also, you may need to add a lot of extra liquid to your dish. You may also need to make allowances when it comes to recipes that call for water or stock. You can use tomato puree in any dish that requires a tomato flavour without the need for the texture that comes from whole tomatoes or sun dried tomatoes.
Fresh Tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes are also a good alternative when it comes to replacing sun dried tomatoes especially when making a salad. Sometimes a salad that has sundried tomatoes will not appeal to everyone. Also, adding lemon or lime juice will also boost the acidity of your salad. You can use fresh tomatoes in any dish that may require sun dried tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes are ideal for sandwiches because they give you a more subtle flavour with a bonus of fresh juiciness. Half a pound of plum tomatoes or cherry tomatoes are a good choice in salads too.
Tamarind Paste
Also on our list of best substitutes for sun dried tomatoes is tamarind paste. You can use this paste for almost any dish that requires sun dried tomatoes. Some recipes that call for sundried tomatoes in Asian cooking are not all that common but if you are making one consider using tamarind paste. Also, if you are preparing a stir-fry, this paste can make a great alternative for sun dried tomatoes. You will get a similar sweet and sour flavour, although tamarind paste has a more intense sour burst compared to sun dried tomatoes. Tamarind paste is perfect for Asian stir-fries that require sun dried tomatoes but ensure that you use a small spoonful and taste before adding more.
Roasted Bell Pepper
Also on our list of substitutes for sun dried tomatoes are roasted bell peppers. If you are entertaining guests and are in need of a back-up option for an antipasto platter consider using roasted bell peppers in place of sun dried tomatoes. Roasted bell peppers are great if you need an ingredient to top a crusty bruschetta. You can simply drizzle your roast bell pepper in olive oil. Also, this alternative is a much milder option than using sun dried tomatoes. You can use roasted bell peppers in almost any recipe that may require sun dried tomatoes.
Home Made Sun Dried Tomatoes.
If you have run out of sun dried tomatoes, you can simply make your own at home. However sun drying tomatoes may take a very long time to prepare. In order to speed up the process you can use the oven. Simply follow these steps to make your own sun-dried tomatoes at home.
- Preheat your oven to 275F (135C).
- Select a sweet variety of fresh tomatoes such as grape tomatoes. Roma tomatoes are also a great choice as they have less water content than most other common varieties.
- Slice each tomato in half, take out the inside seeds and soft flesh then place them onto a lined baking tray, cut side up.
- Let them cook until they become dry and leather-like.
Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the tomato, but 20 minutes should get the job done. Make sure that you check your tomatoes regularly so that the fruit does not overcook.
Tomato Powder
Lastly, you can use tomato powder as a substitute for sun dried tomatoes. Tomato powder can add a punchy tomato flavour without any liquid or texture. Simply sprinkle your tomato powder into your soups, sauces, stews, and baked goods. Just like the other alternatives mentioned above you can use tomato powder in almost any recipe that may require sun dried tomatoes.
