Basic Stewed Tomatoes With Fresh Tomatoes

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Updated on 07/28/24
Tested by
Noah Velush-Rogers
Noah Velush-Rogers
Tested by Noah Velush-Rogers
Noah Velush-Rogers works on food prep for several area caterers. He has worked with a team of prep chefs for a private school group. He was an assistant cooking teacher for children and teen group cooking classes. Noah was hired as an intern and was then trained as a recipe tester for Fine Cooking Magazine. 
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Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 30 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Yield: 2 cups

This basic stewed tomatoes recipe is simply made with fresh tomatoes, salt, pepper, butter, and sugar.

Stewed tomatoes in a white bowl alongside croutons and a wooden spoon

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Use up those ripe tomatoes from your garden or grab a nice selection of tomatoes from the grocery store or farmers market for this recipe. It takes only 30 minutes to make from start to finish, so you will enjoy the ease of making it and its delicious flavor. 

Stewed tomatoes can be eaten as is or throw some croutons on top for that extra crunchy texture. They are also great to use in stews, soups, and chilis. 

What Is the Difference Between Canned Tomatoes and Stewed Tomatoes?

Canned tomatoes can include a variety of styles of tomatoes, including whole peeled tomatoes in juice, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stewed tomatoes, which can be canned, are cooked but not puréed, often with seasoning, while whole and diced canned tomatoes are not.

Can I Substitute for Crushed Tomatoes for Stewed Tomatoes?

The best substitution for stewed tomatoes is canned crushed tomatoes, and vice versa. The texture is very similar, with stewed tomatoes being cooked. If you're substituting crushed tomatoes for stewed tomatoes, you may want to cook them briefly before proceeding with the recipe.

Tips for Making Stewed Tomatoes Recipe

  • Peel efficiently - Use a very sharp, small knife to peel the tomatoes.
  • Blanch the tomatoes - Alternatively, you can blanch them for easy peeling. Use a knife to make a small X in the peel on the bottom of each tomato. Add the tomatoes to boiling water for one minute and transfer to a bowl of ice water. Once cool, the peel should slip off easily.
What You'll Need to Make This Stewed Tomatoes Recipe
Best Paring Knives
A Good Paring Knife
Best Pepper Mills
A Pepper Mill
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A Nice Saucepan

“A very simple recipe with its only major commitment being a dedication of time to peel the tomatoes. If you’re looking for a simple, delicious meal, this, combined with a grilled cheese sandwich, is an easy delight.” —Noah Velush-Rogers

Basic Stewed Tomatoes With Fresh Tomatoes/Tester Image
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Ingredients

  • 4 large or 6 medium tomatoes

  • 1 teaspoon fine salt

  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • Croutons, for serving, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for stewed tomatoes gathered on a marble surface

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  2. Peel 4 large or 6 medium tomatoes.

    Peeled tomatoes on a marble surface

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  3. Cut them into chunks.

    Tomatoes cut into chunks on a marble surface

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  4. Heat the tomatoes in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until they begin to release their juices, about 5 minutes.

    Tomato chunks in a saucepan

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  5. Lower the heat to low and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until desired consistency is reached, 10 to 15 minutes.

    Stewed tomatoes in a saucepan alongside a dish towel and wooden spoon

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  6. Add 1 teaspoon fine salt, 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; taste and adjust seasonings. If desired, serve with croutons on top. Enjoy.

    Seasonings and croutons to finished stewed tomatoes in a white bowl

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How to Store and Freeze Stewed Tomatoes

  • Stewed tomatoes will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
  • Freeze stewed tomatoes for longer storage. Add them to a freezer-safe container with an inch of headspace or pour into a zip-top freezer bag and expel the air. Freeze for up to three months and defrost in the fridge before using.
  • Stewed tomatoes can be canned for later use. Add bottled lemon juice to the mixture and can in sterilized jars using these instructions.

Feeling Adventurous? Try This:

  • More flavor - Sauté some finely chopped celery, onion, and bell peppers for a zestier, more flavorful dish.
  • Make it spicy - Add a few dashes of Tabasco or some red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
120 Calories
7g Fat
15g Carbs
3g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 120
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 7g 8%
Saturated Fat 4g 18%
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Sodium 176mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 15g 5%
Dietary Fiber 4g 16%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 51mg 253%
Calcium 39mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 878mg 19%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)