Sun-dried tomatoes were invented by farmers looking for ways to prolong the life of their crops, which was their primary source of income – that’s when they began drying tomatoes on their rooftops.
Sun dried tomatoes have an identifiable sweetness, chewy texture, and flavour and have become a staple in many recipes. But what are the best substitutes for sun dried tomatoes if you’re out of them?
Our 5 Substitutes for Sun Dried Tomatoes
If you’re out of dried tomatoes and want to substitute something different or can’t afford them, our list will help you save your recipe.
Below is a list compiled of the best choices to use as a substitute. Find out which replacements you can use to finish your dish:
1) Homemade Sun Dried Tomatoes
If you have fresh tomatoes, you can make your own version of sun-dried tomatoes. All you need to do is chop up some fresh tomatoes and bake them. You will need to preheat the oven to 135°C. Ensure you scoop the seeds out of the tomato before you bake them.
Depending on the size of the tomatoes, you will need to bake them for between 20 – 30 minutes; check them frequently to avoid overcooking.
You can also microwave them by placing the heat setting to high for 15 minutes. You roughly need ten medium ripe tomatoes to make 1 ounce of sun dried tomatoes.
Add Herbs and Spices
If you’re making your own dried tomatoes then don’t forget to flavour them with herbs and spices. Basil, thyme and rosemary all work well as does a pinch of dried chilli.
2) Tinned Tomatoes
The next best alternative is tinned tomatoes, especially if you’re making a sauce. These tomatoes will have a very similar flavour but will be less intense, and they will thin out your sauce. You can substitute 3/4 cup of canned tomatoes for 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes.
Ensure you drain them thoroughly before using them.
Drain to Avoid a Thin Sauce
Usually, you’ll want to use all the sauce in a tin but if you’re looking to add the flavour of tomato to a dish then drain them leaving you with the whole tomatoes.
3) Tomato Puree
Tomato puree tastes very much like sun-dried tomatoes. For soups or curries, this is a perfect choice. This is a great way to add tomato flavour to almost any dish that doesn’t need the texture of whole tomatoes.
Consider Quantities Carefully
You can use one tablespoon of tomato puree instead of 3 or 4 sun-dried tomatoes in a recipe.
4) Fresh Tomatoes
Having fresh food is always better, so don’t worry if you can’t find any dried tomatoes! You can always add some fresh tomatoes.
It’s not the best substitute as the flavour will not be as concentrated or as intense but, in a pinch, it can work as a swap for sun dried tomatoes.
Expect a Different Flavour
Sun dried tomatoes are sweet and intense. You won’t get the same flavour profile from simply using fresh tomatoes.
5) Tamarind Paste
An excellent substitute for sun-dried tomatoes is tamarind paste. This paste is made from a sour fruit and can be used in savoury dishes.
To make this paste taste a bit sweeter, similar to sun-dried tomatoes, you just need to add a small amount of sugar. Add the sugar a bit at a time and taste to ensure you achieve the required flavour.
Tamarind paste mixed with sugar has a pleasant, sweet-sour taste, almost like sun-dried tomatoes.
Use Sparingly
Tamarind paste is punchy in flavour so don’t overdo it. Add a little at a time until you get the right flavour balance.
Other Substitutes for Sun Dried Tomatoes
If the above 5 options don’t work for you then consider these alternatives which could be used in place of sun dried tomatoes:
- Tomato Paste – The thick tomato paste will quickly go for the perfect blend of your recipe. You can use tomato puree with 1;1. If the recipe requirement is three dried tomatoes, add 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
- Artichoke Hearts – Artichoke hearts are a fantastic substitute for pizza toppings. They are best for savoury dishes as they provide the best salty flavour to your dishes.
- Roasted Peppers – If tomatoes are unavailable or out of stock, roasted peppers will give the same taste and aroma. Soak the peppers in oil or water for 30 minutes before roasting.
Summary
Sun dried tomatoes are a common ingredient in a wide variety of recipes. Due to dehydration, they have a recognisable sweetness, chewy texture, and flavour.
If you run out of dried tomatoes or are unable to obtain them then there are a few swaps you can make all listed above.