Vegetable/Fruit | Vegan Gluten Free Low Calorie Mediterranean

Italian Tomatos

Solanum lycopersicum Allergen-Free
Italian Tomatos

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Solanaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Italian
  • Seasonality Late Summer (fresh), Year-Round (canned)
  • Source Tomato Plant

The Forktionary Angle

"Unlocking Authentic Italian Flavors: The Secret Behind Every Great Sauce."

Definition

A diverse group of tomato varieties, often San Marzano-type, prized for their oblong shape, fewer seeds, firm flesh, and excellent flavor for sauces.

Sensory Profile

TasteSweet, Tart, Umami, Juicy
TextureFirm, Fleshy, Slightly Seedy
AromaFresh, Earthy, Fruity
AcidityMedium

Technical Metrics

Canned Shelf Life

Up to 3-5 years when stored in a cool, dark place.

Global Usage

Over 80% of canned plum tomatoes globally are Italian-type.

Lycopene Content

Rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant, especially high after cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Per 120g (1/2 cup)
Calories20 kcal
Total Fat0.2g
Saturated Fat0g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein1g
Total Carbohydrate4g
Dietary Fiber1.2g
Total Sugars2.6g
Calcium10mg
Iron0.4mg
Potassium230mg

Chef’s Secret

To enhance the natural sweetness of canned Italian tomatoes, simmer them briefly with a pinch of sugar or a grated carrot.

Substitutions

Best Match

Roma Tomatoes

1:1

Similar oblong shape, meaty texture, and low seed count, great for sauces.

Crushed Tomatoes (canned)

1:1

Convenient for sauces, offers pre-processed texture, may lack whole tomato integrity.

Cherry Tomatoes (fresh)

2:1 (volume)

Sweeter and juicier, good for fresh applications or quick roasting, less ideal for thick sauces.

Other Plum Tomatoes (fresh)

1:1

Many varieties exist with similar characteristics, especially if San Marzano are unavailable.

Buying Guide

For canned, look for 'D.O.P. San Marzano' for authenticity. For fresh, choose firm, unblemished tomatoes with a rich aroma.

Flavor Pairings

Basil Garlic Mozzarella Olive Oil Pasta Onions

Recipes Using Italian Tomatos

Time To Make Time To Make Course Low Carb

8 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup

This ridiculously easy recipe delivers a heavenly creamy tomato soup in just 8 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings, this quick and delicious soup boasts a rich, vibrant flavor that will impress your family and friends. Inspired by a church potluck, this recipe is so good, it's become a family favorite. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Low Carb Low Carb Preparation Time To Make

Alphabet Beef Soup

Comforting and hearty Alphabet Beef Soup is a quick and easy recipe perfect for a chilly evening! This adaptable recipe uses pantry staples and leftover veggies to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Customize it to your liking – the more veggies, the merrier! Get ready for a flavour explosion with this family-friendly favourite.

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Pasta Rice And Grains Preparation Tomatoes Shellfish

Amazing Angel Hair Pasta With Shrimp

Prepare for a flavor explosion! This incredibly easy recipe for Amazing Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp combines succulent shrimp, delicate angel hair pasta, juicy tomatoes, crisp white wine, and creamy richness for an unforgettable dish. Ready in just 35 minutes, it's the perfect weeknight meal that tastes like a gourmet restaurant creation. Get ready to be amazed!

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Occasion Pork Fruit Meat

Apple Bacon Tomato Soup

A hearty and flavorful soup bursting with smoky bacon, sweet sautéed apples, and juicy tomatoes. This thick and satisfying recipe is elevated with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and served alongside crusty bread for the perfect autumnal meal. Adapted from a popular cooking website.

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Main Ingredient Chicken Meat Main Dish

Baked Chicken Cacciatore

Enjoy this easier baked version of the classic Italian Chicken Cacciatore! Skip the stovetop simmering and bake your way to tender, juicy chicken in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe features all the traditional ingredients you love, making it a simple yet elegant weeknight meal. Serve with your favorite sides like spaghetti, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for sopping up every last drop of delicious sauce. A simplified recipe from Ladies' Home Journal.

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Low In Something Course Comfort Food Low Carb

Baked Manicotti With Cheese Filling

Experience the authentic taste of Italy with this incredible Baked Manicotti recipe! For 25 years, this time-honored recipe has been a family favorite, featuring delicate homemade crepe-style manicotti shells filled with a rich and creamy cheese mixture, then baked in a luscious tomato sauce. Skip the store-bought shells and elevate your manicotti game to a whole new level – it's worth the effort! This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a truly unforgettable weeknight dinner.

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European Savory Preparation Dinner Party

Bare Cupboards Dinner Party Casseroles

Impress your guests with this hearty, budget-friendly Italian beef and spinach casserole! This recipe, inspired by a resourceful 1973 Family Circle article and passed down through generations, makes TWO delicious casseroles – one for tonight's dinner party and one to freeze for later. Perfect for using up pantry staples, this adaptable recipe lets you swap in your favorite veggies like roasted red peppers or mushrooms. Get ready to wow your friends with a comforting, cheesy masterpiece that's surprisingly easy on the wallet!

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Main Ingredient Weeknight Time To Make Chicken Breasts

Basic Chicken Breasts W 4 Variation Toppers

Transform simple chicken breasts into four exciting gourmet meals! This recipe provides a base for perfectly cooked chicken, then guides you through four delicious and easy-to-make toppers: tangy mustard-caper, earthy mushroom-wine, sweet and spicy Caribbean, and vibrant tomato-artichoke. Each topper takes just minutes to prepare, making this recipe perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend cooking project. Get inspired to create your own variations!

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Vegetables Main Dish Ground Beef Low Calorie

Beef And Green Bean Pie With Squash And Potato Topping

This hearty Beef and Green Bean Pie boasts a fluffy, flavorful mashed squash and potato topping that perfectly complements a savory ground beef filling. Packed with fresh herbs and spices, this comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Save time by prepping the filling ahead! Optional Parmesan cheese adds a delightful touch of richness.

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Equipment Main Ingredient Inexpensive Main Dish

Beef And Zucchini Pasta Skillet Meal

This hearty Beef and Zucchini Pasta Skillet is a family-favorite weeknight meal! No need for boiling pasta separately – everything cooks together in one pan for easy cleanup. Tender beef, vibrant zucchini, and flavorful pasta combine for a delicious and budget-friendly dinner (estimated cost under $2 per serving!). Inspired by a family recipe, this updated version is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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Meat Main Dish 4 Hours Or Less Preparation

Beef Braciole

Experience the rich, savory flavors of authentic Italian Beef Braciole! This recipe guides you through creating tender, flavorful beef rolls, simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce with aromatic vegetables. Perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight meal.

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Holiday Event Taste Mood Stove Top Cuisine

Bhoona Gosht

Experience the rich, aromatic flavors of Bhoona Gosht, a classic Indian lamb curry. This recipe, inspired by traditional methods, guides you through a slightly involved but incredibly rewarding cooking process. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, the tender lamb, aromatic spices, and vibrant tomatoes create a dish you won't soon forget. Master the art of slow cooking and achieve that perfect balance of spice and melt-in-your-mouth lamb.

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Number Of Servings Technique 30 Minutes Or Less Low Sodium

No Cook Pizza Sauce

Tired of bland pizza sauce? This incredibly easy no-cook pizza sauce recipe, inspired by renowned New Orleans food critic Tom Fitzmorris, will become your new family favorite! Using fresh or canned Italian plum tomatoes, this vibrant sauce delivers amazing flavor in just minutes. Skip the stovetop and get ready for pizza perfection!

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Preparation Dietary Elbow Macaroni Low Fat

Veggie Mac Soup

This Veggie Mac Soup recipe is a game-changer! Forget bland vegetable soups – this one bursts with fresh, vibrant flavor. Easy to make in just 30 minutes, it's packed with veggies and hearty pasta, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal. The clean taste avoids heavy tomato overtones, offering a light yet flavorful experience perfect for a weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch. Get ready to discover your new favorite soup!

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