Passata is a smooth and uncooked tomato puree that is a common ingredient in many Italian dishes. It has a rich tomato flavor and smooth texture. If you are unable to find passata, there are several viable substitutes that can work just as well in your recipes.
What is Passata?
Passata is also known as tomato puree in the US or sieved tomatoes and is made by straining fresh, ripe tomatoes to remove seeds and skins, resulting in a smooth, vibrant tomato sauce. It is typically used as a base for pasta sauces, soups, and stews due to its fresh tomato flavor and versatility in cooking.
4 Best Passata Substitutes
1. Canned Tomatoes (Blended)
Canned tomatoes are one of the most convenient substitutes for passata. They are readily available in most grocery stores and can be easily transformed into a passata-like consistency by blending them.
Whether you use whole, diced, or crushed canned tomatoes, a quick spin in the blender will give you a smooth tomato puree similar to passata.
Canned tomatoes are usually cooked during the canning process, so the flavor might be slightly more developed than fresh passata. This makes them an excellent substitute for passata in recipes like pasta sauces, soups, and stews. You can use blended canned tomatoes in a 1:1 ratio as a direct substitute for passata.
2. Fresh Tomatoes
Since passata is an uncooked tomato puree, you can make it by blending fresh deskinned tomatoes.
To make passata, start by selecting ripe, juicy tomatoes.
- Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will make the skins easy to remove.
- After peeling the tomatoes, cut them in half and remove the seeds. Once the tomatoes are prepared, blend them in a food processor or blender until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining seeds or pulp, leaving you with a smooth, uncooked tomato puree.
This fresh passata can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for a few days. It’s more time-consuming than blending canned tomatoes, but it is the most exact substitute for store-bought passata.
It’s best for dishes where the fresh, vibrant flavor of ripe tomatoes is key, such as light pasta sauces and soups. Use homemade passata in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute for store-bought passata in your recipes.
3. Tomato Pasta Sauce/Marinara Sauce
Tomato pasta sauce or marinara sauce can also serve as a substitute for passata, especially when you need a quick and easy option!
It’s important to choose a smooth tomato sauce to get a similar texture to passata. However, keep in mind that these sauces usually contain additional flavorings such as garlic, onion, olive oil, and herbs, which can alter the taste of your dish.
If you don’t mind the extra seasonings, tomato pasta sauce can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute for passata in many recipes. It’s particularly useful in pasta dishes, casseroles, or stews, where the additional flavors will complement the overall dish.
4. Fresh Tomato Soup
Fresh tomato soup can also act as a passata substitute, especially when you’re in a pinch. Most tomato soups are already smooth and don’t require additional blending.
However, because tomato soup is typically thinner than passata, you might need to simmer it for a while to reduce the liquid and achieve a thicker consistency.
Like marinara sauce, tomato soup often includes other seasonings and flavorings like garlic, onion, olive oil, and herbs, which will influence the flavor of your dish.
If these added ingredients work with your recipe, fresh tomato soup can be a quick and convenient 1:1 substitute for passata in sauces and soups.
Final Thoughts
When passata isn’t available, these substitutes can help you maintain the rich tomato flavor and smooth texture needed in your recipe. Just make sure to use which substitute best fits your particular recipe, be it canned tomatoes blended, pasta sauce, reduced tomato soup, or fresh tomatoes made into passata.