Can I use fresh instead of canned tomatoes?

1. 93

   peeplesposted 10 years ago

   Can I use fresh instead of canned tomatoes?
   
   I would like to use fresh tomatoes since I don't have canned. I have tomato sauce if that would help. It's a crock pot taco soup. Can I just cook them the same way I would make homemade spaghetti sauce?

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2. 84

   bravewarriorposted 10 years ago

   I don't see why you can't use fresh tomatoes. The only difference is the skin. I'd leave the skins on and fish them out if they don't break down. Besides, most cooking is trial and error. All recipes can be modified to taste or to accommodate what you have on hand. Fresh would be healthier anyway!

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3. 64

   bearnmomposted 10 years ago

   I have used garden tomatoes in my recipes that call for diced tomatoes.  The only difference is the acid level is higher and you can fix that with a sprinkle of baking soda.

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4. 65

   Handicapped Chefposted 10 years ago

   If you are really set on doing this, just use the same amount by weight or volume, preferably peeling the tomatoes first. (Cut an x in the bottom, dip in boiling water for 10 seconds, pull off the peel). You'll have plenty of liquid coming out of the tomato,

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5. 79

   thefedorowsposted 10 years ago

   I have substituted canned for fresh before, so I would think you could substitute fresh for canned!  Since you are making a crockpot taco soup, the tomatoes are not the base of the soup (my guess is they are diced and added into the soup).  Depending on what kind of canned tomatoes the recipe calls for would determine how you prepare the fresh tomatoes.
   
   If diced...
   Simply cut and seed the tomatoes then add into your crockpot according to the recipe directions. I don't think it would be necessary to pre-cook or peel the tomatoes. But if you did want to peel them, do so before dicing the tomatoes. 
   
   If crushed...
   Boil the tomatoes whole for a few minutes on the stove or in the microwave. Carefully remove the tomatoes from the water, then mash with potato masher or blend with blender or food processer to puree. 
   
   You may need to taste test and adjust the seasonings a bit, but go for it!  That's how you come up with new recipes--you experiment and take note of what works.  Have fun!

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6. 0

   ronald medinaposted 10 years ago

   Yes ! It is better  to always use fresh vegetables than vegetables in can with preservatives .

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7. 93

   Thelma Albertsposted 10 years ago

   Yes, of course you can. I have been using fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones. I just cut the tomotoes in cubes and add them in the pot.

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