Generally considered a versatile ingredient, condensed tomato soup comprises tomatoes that are cooked down and puréed. Created by the famous Campbell Soup Company, it also contains various seasonings. Finding a substitute for condensed tomato soup is as easy as pie if you’re out of this delicious soup.
Condensed tomato soup is a staple in many Italian dishes like lasagna. It can also be used as a base for chicken masala, stews, and various Indian cuisines. Some American classics include beef chili, creole, and stuffed cabbage rolls.
Whether you have dietary restrictions or are out of condensed tomato soup, the alternatives below work exceptionally well.
Contents
What is Condensed Tomato Soup?
Condensed tomato soup is made mainly from puréed tomatoes cooked and combined with spices and herbs. This is what gives the soup its unique flavor.
It’s commonly used as a base in recipes from all over the world. This handy soup can benefit everything from stews, casseroles, pasta bakes, and more. But it’s also great on its own, served with a grilled cheese sandwich.
But how can condensed tomato soup plays a role in so in dishes? It all comes down to the excellent balance of sweetness and acidity that this soup lends to any dish.
Substitutes for Condensed Tomato Soup
Several options are available if you need a replacement for this flavorful soup. Try one of these condensed tomato soup alternatives for your next dish.
1. Tomato Paste with Cornstarch
Tomato sauce with cornstarch is often considered the best-condensed tomato soup substitute because it essentially contains the same primary ingredients.
Mix 1 can of tomato paste with 1 tbsp of cornstarch, 1½ tbsp of brown sugar, and ½ tsp of salt in a bowl. Then, add water until it reaches the consistency of the condensed tomato soup.
This alternative is healthier than condensed tomato soup if you are trying to reduce your sugar intake. And it works great in recipes such as meatballs and shepherd’s pie. You can swap one can of condensed tomato soup with a cup of tomato paste with cornstarch.
2. Canned Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes make great condensed tomato soup because they deliver the same flavor when reduced. To make this homemade substitute, you can use any canned tomatoes, including whole, stewed, or diced. First, remove the liquid from the can and place the tomatoes into a separate pot.
Blend or cook the tomatoes down until they reach a creamy consistency like condensed tomato soup. Add whatever seasoning you prefer as needed.
Canned tomatoes are a fantastic substitute for cooking chicken stew. Substitute 2 tablespoons of this mixture for every one tablespoon of condensed tomato soup.
3. Tomato Paste and Almond Milk
This is a fantastic substitute for condensed tomato paste because it closely matches the consistency and taste. To make this condensed tomato substitute, you will need tomato paste, almond milk, garlic, and spices.
Heat some oil in a pot, add garlic, and allow it to sizzle gently. Add the almond milk and tomato paste to the pan and simmer for 10 minutes. Throw in some herbs and spices for a deeper flavor. You can substitute at a 1:1 ratio in stews.
4. Ketchup
Though not the best substitute because of the taste difference, they are both made of tomatoes. However, ketchup also includes a great deal of sugar and vinegar.
This gives ketchup a different flavor profile, which can alter your final result. To avoid this, try adding seasonings that can mimic the flavor of condensed tomato soup.
You can use ketchup as a substitute in casseroles and stews. Replace 1 cup of tomato soup with 1 cup of ketchup and add a ¼ cup of water or broth. Otherwise, it’s going to be too thick and overpowering.
5. Fresh Tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes make an excellent condensed tomato soup substitute if you want something healthier and free of preservatives. Simply dice your tomatoes and toss them into a food processor to turn them into a pulp.
The result is a juicy, 100% tomato-flavored delight that you can add to anything. Drain some liquid if it seems too runny. Toss in some spices and add a bit of cornstarch to make a thicker, more robust soup alternative.
You can easily substitute condensed tomato soup with fresh tomatoes when making stews, oven-baked dishes, and more. Use 1 cup of fresh tomato purée for every cup of tomato soup a recipe calls for.
Conclusion
You may need to tweak your recipe to maintain the correct consistency and obtain a similar taste profile. But with the above suggestions, you are bound to find what you’re looking for. As you can see, when it comes to condensed tomato soup substitutes, you have several options available.