As tomato prices remain high, experts suggest these alternatives

Tarun Shetty, corporate chef, SMAAASH enlisted peeled and canned tomatoes as one of the options

New Delhi | Updated: July 13, 2023 08:44 AM IST

3 min read

Are there any alternatives to tomatoes? (Express Photo by Pavan Khengre)

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Food without gravy is unthinkable especially in the Indian kitchen and for that one needs tomatoes. But with the price surge hitting tomatoes hard in many markets including states like Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, many are left wondering if there are some easily found alternatives that can help for the time being. As such, we decided to seek expert opinions on what could be some foods that can replace the taste and flavour of tomatoes to help you in the kitchen.

Tarun Shetty, corporate chef, SMAAASH enlisted peeled and canned tomatoes as one of the options. “Tomatoes that have been collected when ripe and heated to seal them in a can are called canned tomatoes. The skin is occasionally torn off and other times it is not. These tomatoes can be utilised in a variety of ways, whether they are whole, chopped, or crushed,” said Shetty.

Make your gravies with these alternatives (Source: Pixabay)

Another suggestion was to substitute it with tamarind for its tangy and sweet flavour. Registered dietitian Garima Goyal concurred and shared that the tangy flavour is way more pronounced than tomatoes.

She also shared some other foods that can give you a similar taste.

Amla – This Indian gooseberry is very similar to raw tomatoes in its texture and will give you a similar taste too. On top of it, it will provide numerous health benefits too as it is a storehouse of antioxidants.

Red bell pepper – Just the replica of tomatoes, the red capsicum has a taste and texture similar to tomatoes. To get a similarity with tomatoes, roast the red bell peppers and then puree them. Later add sugar, lemon, and salt to it to get a similar taste, Goyal said.

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Vinegar – It is also a great choice when trying to substitute expensive tomatoes to get a sour and tangy flavour. Using apple cider vinegar in dishes further enhances the benefits by exhibiting anti-bacterial properties, mentioned Goyal.

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Pumpkin – It is one of the finest low-cost substitutes for tomatoes, giving a similar creamy texture and sweet taste, at nearly half the cost, Goyal stated.

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