Substitute for canned tomatoes?

[Kris]

I'm trying to make a raw version of my favorite warm, Mexican salsa. The recipe uses canned (cooked) tomatoes, and they are necessary to give it a certain flavor. Is there any way to achieve something similar to that cooked tomato flavor without actually cooking the tomatoes?

The tomatoes are supposed to be left chunky, but I would be fine pureeing them in order to mix other things in. Would sundried tomatoes work? Or is there some other trick for deepening the tomato flavor?

Suggestions or ideas appreciated! :D

[swiddweas]

My first inclination would be sundried tomatoes. Soak them in a little water untill they feel and look like the canned. You could add herbs and spices and mabye even chop them up in the processor until the right consistency. Sundreid tomatoes are so delicious in recipies, I would give it a try!


Pattye

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Never give up, never quit.

[exurb]

I would either use the sundrieds soaked as said, or you could try almost dehydrating fresh tomatoes to concentrate the flavors but leaving a little moisture in them.

[rawpriestess]

I would suggest the dehydrating the fresh tomatos, and allowing them to wilt in the dehydrator, just keep tasting them until they are right for you.

the sun dried tomatos, unless you make your own, have sulfites in them.

although you may find them in the health food store, although, I've never seen them without sulfites.

Good luck on your salsa. You might try different kind of tomatoes, organic are much more flavorful than non-organic, and romas, are not as sweet as cherry, and beefsteak are more thick and heavy, etc. Each tomato is a little different, you might find the flavor you like, with one of these.

[Kris]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I ended up using lots of sundried tomatoes and chilis mixed with fresh tomatoes. I was going for a soupy salsa to serve warm (like my favorite from my cooked days), but ended up with a really thick, smokey ranchero sauce. Now I have to make Alissa's enchiladas to eat it with!