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Ingredient

diced tomatoes

See also: tomato

Also known as: petite diced tomatoes

Canned tomatoes cut into small chunks and packed in their own juice (or a light tomato puree) -- a convenient, ready-to-use form for soups, chilis, and sauces where whole or crushed tomatoes would need more prep. "Petite" diced simply means a smaller, finer chunk, which breaks down into a smoother-textured dish faster.

Buying guidance

Available plain or pre-seasoned with herbs, garlic, onion, or chilies mixed in -- check the label if a recipe calls for a specific flavored version, since substituting plain for a seasoned variety (or the reverse) changes a dish's seasoning balance.

Substitutions

  • Crushed tomatoes -- smoother and less chunky, works in most recipes where diced tomatoes are simmered down anyway.
  • Whole canned tomatoes, chopped by hand -- more work, but lets you control the size of the pieces.
  • Fresh tomatoes, diced -- brighter flavor in season, though canned are often more reliably ripe and consistent out of season.

Tips & common mistakes

Draining off the canning liquid when a recipe says "undrained" throws away both juice and flavor a recipe was counting on for its liquid balance -- check whether a recipe wants the liquid before pouring it out.

Storage

An unopened can keeps for a year or more in the pantry. Once opened, refrigerate any leftover in a sealed container and use within a few days.

Used in 14 recipes