Substitute For Sun Dried Tomatoes: Top 8 Options to Try

substitute for sun dried tomatoes

In the winter, many of us crave tomatoes. It’s a common misconception that tomatoes are only available in the summertime.

In reality, you can find them at your local grocery store year-round. These days it is easier than ever to find sun-dried tomatoes as well.

However, if you’re looking for a substitute for this tasty treat or want to preserve some of those fresh homegrown tomatoes before they go bad then keep reading.

Read more: What To Do With Leftover Bbq Chicken Breasts Thighs?

Best substitutes for sun-dried tomatoes

substitute for sun dried tomatoes

In my experience, here are the top 8 best substitutes for sun-dried tomatoes you should know about:

Tomato paste

You can use tomato paste instead here. Tomato paste has a similar flavor. It is good for curry, soup, or any other dish that needs tomato flavor. You cannot use it to thicken food, as well as real tomatoes, would.

Half-dried tomatoes

If you don’t have enough time to dry your own tomatoes, semi-dried tomatoes work well as a substitute. You can use the same amount in recipes as if it was a sun-dried tomato.

Canned tomatoes

Canned tomatoes are good for sauces. They will be less intense than the kind you make with fresh tomatoes. You can also use them if you want thick sauce because they are thin and easy to thicken.

Use ¾ cup of canned tomatoes, not ½ cup. Put them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before using them in the sauce. One way to make your own tomato sauce is with a tomato press. It makes it easier!

Fresh tomatoes

If you don’t like the fruit’s dried version in dishes like salads, you can use fresh ones. You get a more subtle taste and the salad will be juicier with fresh tomatoes. Add lime or lemon juice for a better flavor.

Tamarind paste

In Asian cooking, recipes that call for sundried tomatoes aren’t very common. But if the recipe calls for them, you should use tamarind paste instead.

The flavor will be similar–it’s a sweet and sour taste–but the tamarind paste has a more intense sour burst so start with a small spoonful and add more to the taste.

Pureed tomatoes

If you like tomatoey liquids, then you can make a puree.

You cook tomatoes and then strain them. When the recipe requires water or stock, make sure to add more liquid. Use this for recipes that need tomatoey flavor without the texture of whole tomatoes.

Bell peppers (roasted)

An antipasto platter can be fun to have for guests. It’s nice to have something else that might look good on top of it. You can use capsicum or bell peppers, which are much milder in flavor.

Tomato powder

Tomato powder is a good way to give soups, sauces, and baked goods a tomato flavor without adding any liquid or texture. You might find it hard to get the powder though. Try looking for it in spice stores or online retailers.

What benefits do sun-dried tomatoes have?

They have a lot of benefits. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In particular, they have lycopene which is an antioxidant that may help your skin from being damaged by the sun. (source)

Is it bad to eat sun-dried tomatoes?

Not at all. They are good for you. They make any meal healthier. They have nutrients and antioxidants in them.

It is believed that they can help reduce the risk from many types of cancers, decrease inflammation, and more.

What is special about sun-dried tomatoes?

They have a different flavor than fresh tomatoes. They are sweet and have almost no water left in them so they are very concentrated. This makes them perfect for dishes when you want to taste the tomato flavor more.

What is the best way to use sun-dried tomatoes?

You can use them when you make a salad in the winter. Or when you make a sandwich. You can add them to deviled eggs if you want. You can also put them in your pizza sauce. If you want, add them to pesto for a different flavor!

What is the difference between sun-dried tomatoes and regular tomatoes?

They have different tastes. They are sweeter and have a more intense flavor than fresh tomatoes.

They also have a different texture, so if you want to use them for cooking without liquid, like in a salad, then it is important that you first hydrate them before use.

Are they really dried under the sun?

Yes, they’re ripe fruits that have been put under the sun for long hours. This makes them dehydrate most of the liquid inside.

They are treated with things like sulfur dioxide or salt before being left to dry to make them more colorful and attractive. (source)

Are sun-dried tomatoes good for high blood pressure?

Yes, they could make you healthier and lower your blood pressure. (source)

They are high in lycopene and vitamins C, K, and fiber. When you cook them for 30 minutes or more, their lycopene becomes available.

A quarter cup of this product has more potassium than a medium banana does.

Can diabetics eat sun-dried tomatoes?

People who have diabetes can eat this food. Tomatoes are non-starchy and also have a low glycemic index. The glycemic index is a ranking of carbohydrates in foods. (source)

How do you rehydrate sun-dried tomatoes with olive oil?

You will need to drain them and let them dry. Then you can place the tomatoes in a jar or storage container, seal them, and put it in the refrigerator. (recipe)

They can be stored for up to 1 week. Or you could sprinkle chile flakes over the tomatoes before putting olive oil on them, then seal it back up with that sauce.

The sauce should last even longer than if you just used olive oil alone.

Can sun-dried tomatoes make you sick?

If the tomatoes are not moldy or mushy, then they will not hurt you. Properly stored, they should last for years.

Can you water bath can sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, they can be canned. You need to let them cool and then store them in the fridge for 3 days up to 7 days. The long time canning requires a water bath and a dry, dark, and cool place where store the jars.

What happened to sun-dried tomatoes?

People who used to make this type of food are not making them anymore. Now it is hard for people to find real ones because they are not around.

Are sun-dried tomatoes healthier than regular tomatoes?

Not really. But they’re still healthy, though. They’re full of vitamin C, potassium, and other important nutrients.

Can I eat sun-dried tomatoes raw?

You can eat them as a snack. But if you want to use them in cooking, you will need to soften them first. This is easy to do by soaking the dried fruit for about 20 minutes in warm water.

Conclusion

In summary, here are the top 8 best substitutes for sun-dried tomatoes you should know about:

  • Tomato paste
  • Half-dried tomatoes
  • Canned tomatoes
  • Fresh tomatoes
  • Tamarind paste
  • Pureed tomatoes
  • Bell peppers (roasted)
  • Tomato powder

I hope that this blog post has been helpful to you. If you find it helpful, please share it with your friends. Thanks.

Tamara Pierce

Tamara Pierce is a food writer at Elapasony, passionate about exploring diverse cuisines and sharing recipes and food experiences. From trendy restaurants to local hotspots, she's always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors.

Recent Posts