The Best Substitutes for Tomato Stew

When you’re craving a hearty tomato stew but don’t have fresh tomatoes on hand, there are several tasty substitutes you can use to achieve a similar flavor and texture.

Here are some of the best options:

Canned Tomatoes

Canned tomatoes are an excellent substitute for fresh tomatoes in stews and sauces. Look for high-quality canned whole, diced, or crushed tomatoes from trusted brands. The canned variety retains much of the same flavor and texture as fresh tomatoes, making it an easy one-to-one swap. Just be sure to adjust seasoning as needed, as canned tomatoes may have added salt or herbs.

Tomato Puree

Tomato puree is a thick, concentrated tomato sauce that can be used to add rich tomato flavor to stews. A couple of tablespoons stirred into the pot can provide the same depth of flavor as fresh tomatoes. Tomato puree has a more intense, almost sweet tomato taste compared to diced or crushed tomatoes. It’s a great option when you want to boost the tomato essence without adding extra liquid.

Red Bell Peppers

Roasted red bell peppers make a surprisingly good stand-in for tomatoes. The natural sweetness and vibrant color of red peppers can mimic the flavor and appearance of tomatoes in stews. To use, roast the peppers to remove the skins, then blend them into a smooth sauce or purée. The smoky, caramelized notes from roasting complement the other stew ingredients nicely.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin purée is an unexpected but delicious substitute for tomatoes. The bright orange color and creamy texture can work well in place of tomatoes, especially in heartier stews and sauces. Try making a pumpkin-maple sauce as a tomato-free base. The natural sweetness of pumpkin pairs beautifully with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Carrots

Finely grated or chopped carrots can add a similar color and texture to tomatoes in stews. The natural sweetness of carrots complements the other savory ingredients. Sauté the carrots with onions, celery, and seasonings to build a flavorful base. The orange hue of the carrots will resemble diced tomatoes in the finished dish.

Cucumbers

Believe it or not, peeled and seeded cucumbers can work as a tomato substitute in certain stews. The cool, watery nature of cucumbers provides a similar texture to tomatoes, and the mild flavor allows other ingredients to shine. Finely chop or grate the cucumbers and add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their fresh taste.

Eggplant

Roasted eggplant can be blended into a smooth purée to use in place of tomatoes. The rich, almost creamy texture of eggplant mimics the body of tomatoes, while the savory, slightly smoky flavor complements stew ingredients. Roast the eggplant first to remove the skin and concentrate the flavors before pureeing.

Pear Juice

For a unique twist, try using pear juice as the base for your tomato-free stew. The natural sweetness and acidity of pear juice can provide a similar flavor profile to tomatoes. Start with a small amount of pear juice and adjust to taste, adding spices and other vegetables to round out the dish.

Beets

Finely diced raw beets can be sautéed with aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery to create a tomato-free stew base. The deep red-purple color of the beets will resemble diced tomatoes, while the earthy, slightly sweet flavor pairs well with stew seasonings like paprika, turmeric, and vinegar.

No matter which substitute you choose, the key is to experiment with different vegetables, juices, and seasonings to achieve a similar flavor and texture to traditional tomato stew. Roasting vegetables can add depth, while acids like vinegar or citrus can provide the necessary tartness.