If you are a fan of the sourness of tomatoes, I am sure you must love sundried tomatoes. Sundried tomatoes are an extremely versatile ingredient with a texture liked by many and a staple in most kitchens. So, let us talk about the best sundried tomato substitutes today. 

I am sure you must have been in situations where you would need sundried tomatoes in a recipe, but you may be all out of them. In that case, you can think of using a substitute for the same. This article will be your guide to finding the best sundried tomato substitutes. 

So, what are the best substitutes for sundried tomato? The best substitutes for sundried tomatoes are fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato puree, tomato powder, tamarind paste, certain vegetables, and homemade sundried tomatoes. 

However, before I tell you all about the substitutes, let me tell you a little bit about sundried tomatoes. Once you know all about their flavor and texture and how exactly they are used in recipes, it will be easier for you to pick your substitute. 

Quick Peek: Sundried Tomatoes

This section has information on sundried tomatoes. Here, you will get to understand all about the ingredient, its flavor, texture, uses, and also nutritional information. So, let us explore sundried tomatoes!

What Are Sundried Tomatoes?

Sundried tomatoes are basically tomatoes that have lost all their water content due to drying in the sun. These tomatoes are picked when they are extremely ripe and then dried in the sun for up to ten days. The tomatoes are treated with sulfur dioxide or salt before drying.

Sundried tomatoes, in fact, came to be as farmers were looking for a way to preserve overly ripe vegetables. Sun drying is among the oldest techniques of preservation practiced all over the world. These tomatoes are particularly extremely popular in southern Italy. 

Describing Sundried Tomatoes: Flavor And Texture

We all know what a tomato tastes like! However, the sun drying process does have an impact on the flavor and texture of the tomatoes. The texture of sundried tomatoes is chewy. This texture is due to the dehydration process. 

The taste of sundried tomatoes can be described as sharp and tangy. It also has an undertone of sweetness to it. However, it is important to keep in mind that the flavor of sundried tomatoes is very sharp as compared to a regular tomato. 

Uses Of Sundried Tomatoes

As I mentioned earlier, sundried tomatoes are extremely versatile! They can be added to a number of recipes to add to their texture and flavor. Sundried tomatoes are extremely popular in Italian cuisine and almost a staple in every Italian kitchen.

They make a great addition to various Italian dishes such as pasta sauces, pizzas, salads, bruschetta, paninis, and even focaccia bread. They also help enhance the flavor of recipes such as dips, tacos, frittatas, and chicken parmesan. 

Sundried Tomatoes On The Health Radar | Looking Through The Wellness Telescope

Sundried tomatoes, just like any other form of tomatoes, are very nutritionally dense. They are packed with various vital nutrients. They are essentially a great source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is said to be great for the immune system. 

Moreover, sundried tomatoes are also a great source of vitamin K, niacin, manganese, potassium, and copper. They contain a decent amount of proteins, carbohydrates, and dietary fibers too. Moreover, there have been a few studies that have pointed out various other health benefits of the same. 

Sundried tomatoes are a great source of lycopene. Lycopene has been said to reduce the risk of certain health conditions such as certain types of cancers. Moreover, as they are a great source of dietary fibers, they are also said to help with digestive issues like constipation. 

Why Use A Substitute For Sundried Tomatoes?

This question might have popped into many people’s minds. Sundried tomatoes may be a staple in many kitchens. However, even a lot of professional kitchens, in fact, prefer using substitutes for the same. So, let us look at some reasons why you can use a substitute. 

Firstly, the flavor of sundried tomatoes is very intense. This intense flavor is not to everyone’s liking. Moreover, they also have an extremely chewy texture. This texture is again not to everyone’s liking. 

So, if you are easily repelled by either the flavor or the texture of sundried tomatoes, you can easily use a substitute with a less intense flavor and a milder texture. Sundried tomatoes can also be really expensive at certain places. 

If you are living on a budget, sundried tomatoes might not be your best pick. However, there is good news! You can use various substitutes that are more budget-friendly than sundried tomatoes. 

Lastly, if these things are not a problem for you but you simply seem to have run out of sundried tomatoes, you can again easily use a substitute for the same. That will save you a lot of time and energy! I think these are reasons worth considering. 

I may have saturated you with enough information on sundried tomatoes. Now, let me quickly guide you through the best sundried tomato substitutes without any further ado!

8 Best Sundried Tomatoes Substitutes

This section has a list of all the substitutes you can use in place of sundried tomatoes. Moreover, you will also get to understand what recipes the substitutes work best in and also the ratio of substitution. 

1. Fresh Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes are the easiest substitute for sundried tomatoes. They are packed with the same nutrition as sundried tomatoes. They also have a less intense flavor as compared to sundried tomatoes. 

If you are particularly looking for a substitute with the exact same nutritional values, fresh tomatoes are your best bet. They contain 95% water, though, so that is different compared to sundried tomatoes. 

But, many recipes, in fact, ask you to rehydrate sundried tomatoes. In these cases, too, fresh tomatoes work well. You can use them in place of sundried tomatoes in recipes like pasta sauces, pizza sauces along with sandwiches. 

Fresh tomatoes will also work well in salads or any other recipe where they have to be used in a raw form just that the texture will be different. You can use them as a substitute by following a 1:1 ratio for substitution. 

2. Canned Tomatoes

Canned tomatoes are picked at the stage when they are ripe, just like sundried tomatoes. They have a similar flavor to sundried tomatoes, just less intense. Hence, they can be used as a substitute for the same. 

Canned tomatoes have the right amount of sweetness with balanced acidity. They might not work well in recipes where you have to use sundried tomatoes as they are. This is because they do have a mushy texture as compared to the chewy sundried tomato. 

However, in sauces or any sort of cooking recipe, canned tomatoes will provide a flavor that is quite similar to that of sundried tomatoes. They will give you a sauce with a thinner texture. But, that can be corrected by adding some tomato paste. 

Canned tomatoes, due to their milder flavor, should generally be used in a higher quantity while using them as a substitute for sundried tomatoes. Use double the amount of canned tomatoes as opposed to sundried tomatoes. 

3. Tomato Paste

Tomato paste is made by reducing all the liquid from tomato puree. It has an intense and strong flavor and a thick texture which helps thicken sauces. It can be used as a substitute for sundried tomatoes in various recipes. 

Tomato paste is another great option for substitution if you are looking for a similar flavor as sundried tomatoes but a different texture. Though the flavors of the two are not an exact match, tomato paste does have an intense flavor. 

It can be used in recipes such as sauces or any other form of a cooked recipe. In case you want a similar flavor in salads, you can also use tomato paste in salad dressings. However, it will not provide the texture of sundried tomatoes. 

Tomato paste, due to its concentrated flavor, does not have to be used in very high quantities while using it as a substitute. Generally, a tablespoon of tomato paste for every four sundried tomatoes does the trick. 

4. Tomato Puree

Tomato puree is made from cooked tomatoes. These tomatoes are further strained. It has a more liquid consistency and a milder flavor as compared to sundried tomatoes. However, it can work well as a substitute for the same in various recipes. 

Tomato puree is thicker than tomato sauce but thinner than tomato paste. While canned tomatoes give a thinner sauce, you will not face this problem with tomato puree. Tomato puree produces a thicker and more flavorful sauce. 

This is again a substitute that works best in cooked recipes. Tomato puree cannot be used in recipes where you need to add sundried tomatoes in their raw form. However, they will provide a similar but slightly less intense flavor. 

While using it as a substitute for sundried tomatoes, you will again have to increase the quantity of the tomato puree. Generally, for every half a cup of sundried tomatoes in any recipe, you can use ¾ cup of tomato puree as a substitute. 

5. Tomato Powder

Tomato powder is made by dehydrating tomatoes. It has a sharp and tangy flavor that is quite similar to that of sundried tomatoes. It can be used as a substitute for sundried tomatoes in various recipes. 

Tomato powder has a different texture as compared to sundried tomatoes, as it is in a powdered form. But, the flavor of tomato powder is very sharp and intense, thanks to the dehydration. 

It might not work well as a substitute for sundried tomatoes in recipes where you need to use them whole. However, tomato powder does work well in cooked recipes. Moreover, you can also use this powder in salad dressings. 

You can add some of the powder to salad dressings to give them an intense tomato flavor if you are particularly looking for a substitute with a similar flavor. You can use tomato powder as a substitute in a 1:1 ratio. 

6. Tamarind Paste

Tamarind paste is made with tamarind fruit. It has a sour flavor. Though not a very conventional substitute, tamarind paste can mimic the sour flavor of sundried tomatoes and hence can be used as a substitute in certain recipes. 

Tamarind paste may seem like a very unconventional option to many. However, when tamarind paste is combined with sugar, it does give a similar flavor to sundried tomatoes. 

Although, do make sure you mix it with some sugar as tamarind paste on its own may taste too sour to some. The sugar will create a balance with the sourness of the tamarind. This is again a substitute option that will only work in cooked recipes. 

Tamarind paste is also very nutritionally dense. So, even from a nutritional standpoint, it works well as a substitute for sundried tomatoes. Go by a 1:1 ratio for substitution. 

7. Roasted Bell Peppers

If you are looking for a substitute option that can be used in recipes where sundried tomatoes are used as they are, roasted bell peppers are your best bet. Roasted bell peppers have a charred and sweet taste. 

Bell peppers are actually not hot at all in taste. They have a slightly sweet taste to them. Moreover, once roasted, they carry this charred flavor that will definitely add a kick to any recipe. 

Bell peppers also have a high amount of water and are rich in various vitamins and minerals. Other than bell peppers, there are certain other vegetables that can also be given a try. Cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and olives are certain options. 

8. Homemade Sundried Tomatoes

If you do have the time to dry some yourself, homemade sundried tomatoes are the best substitute for sundried tomatoes. It is very easy to make them. The only thing you have to be prepared for is the wait! Just kidding, they’ll be ready in 20 minutes!

The method to make homemade sundried tomatoes is as follows:

1. Slice the tomatoes in half and extract the flesh and seeds. 
2. Transfer the tomatoes onto a baking tray lined with parchment. 
3. Bake them in a preheated oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.
4. Store them in a tightly sealed container to use later. Enjoy!

Short Recap For Best Sundried Tomatoes Substitutes

I am sure you must have seen all the best substitutes for sundried tomatoes by now. But, confused about which one would work best? There is no need to worry! I have narrowed it down further for you. 

Most Suitable: The substitute best suitable for sundried tomatoes is canned tomatoes. 

Easily Available: Fresh tomatoes are the most easily available substitute for sundried tomatoes. 

Best Flavor Profile: Homemade sundried tomatoes will give the best flavor profile when used as a substitute for sundried tomatoes. 

Final Word

That definitely was an extensive article on the best substitutes for sundried tomatoes. However, now that we have come to the end of it, I hope it has helped you find the best substitute for your recipe. Sundried tomatoes are a versatile ingredient. 

But, the flavor of this particular ingredient is unlike anything else you have tasted before. It does have a peculiar taste and texture not liked by many. Substitutes definitely come to the rescue in situations like these. 

Having said that, all the options given for substitution are very worthy alternatives for sundried tomatoes. Not all of them may work in uncooked recipes. But, most of them will work for cooked recipes. So, pick your favorite substitute and get cooking!

How To Substitute The Above Mentioned Ingredients For Sundried Tomatoes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)