Choosing the product
Choose ripe, flavourful tomatoes for raw toppings. Canned chopped tomatoes suit simmering; strained tomatoes give a smoother base. Check added salt and flavourings.
Preparing and using it
Wash, trim damaged parts and cut for the dish. Drain seasoned dice for bruschetta. Reduce sauce uncovered, stirring more often as it thickens.
Substitutions and adaptations
Canned tomatoes work in cooked sauce but do not reproduce a fresh raw topping. Spread a thin layer on pizza; keep enough liquid for simmering curry.
Mistakes to avoid
Tomato paste is more concentrated than chopped tomatoes and cannot replace the whole volume. If an over-reduced sauce starts sticking, add a little water.
