Pantry

10 Ways to Use A Can of Tomatoes

May 14, 2013

Many of us find our heart-racing, drool-inducing, I-can't-wait-to-get-in-the-kitchen inspiration at the farmers market. Or the butcher shop. Or the fish counter. We rarely turn to our pantries for inspiration, and instead save the pantry-rummaging for nights that dinner feels like a burden.

But with a can of tomatoes -- or a stack of them -- the pantry can be a place of exploration: an easy path to a burden-free dinner, just as exciting as one after a trip to the market.

Barbara Lynch's Spicy Tomato Soup by Genius Recipes

Shop the Story

Spicy Tomato Sou[

 

Braised Chicken Thighs with Tomato and Garlic by merrill

Braised chicken thighs

 

 

Marcella Hazan's Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter by Genius Recipes

Tomato Sauce

 

Simple Bolognese for Grown Ups and Babies by merrill

Bolognese

 

 

"Greek" Lamb with Orzo by fiveandspice

lamb with orzo

 

Brown Rice Jambalaya-ish by healthierkitchen 

brown rice jambalaya-ish

   

Tomato-y, Yogurt-y Shakshuka by Nicholas

Shakshuka

 

 

Marcella Hazan's Braised Celery with Onion, Pancetta and Tomatoes by Genius Recipes

braised celery

 

Reform Jewish Penicillin by drbabs

reform jewish penicillin

 

Tomato Rice (Tamatar Biryani) by pauljoseph

Tomato Rice

See what other Food52 readers are saying.

  • BarbaraAnneCampbell
    BarbaraAnneCampbell
  • Susan E. Levy
    Susan E. Levy
  • Marian Bull
    Marian Bull
  • Sarah Fioritto
    Sarah Fioritto
  • Brette Warshaw
    Brette Warshaw
Brette Warshaw

Written by: Brette Warshaw

I'm a reader, eater, culinary thrill-seeker, and food nerd.

5 Comments

BarbaraAnneCampbell September 18, 2013
Iamareader,ILovemysteries,andIlovetoTravel,NotthatIhaveBeenDoingMuchOfThatlately.
 
Susan E. May 19, 2013
This is one staple that I buy in quantity. However, you really have to read the label, because so many have added sodium or sugar, and don't be fooled by organic. Here's a stew that can go in many different directions. http://www.wellfedheart.com/recipes/shrimp-white-bean-stew/ And, there are lots more to choose from, too.
 
Marian B. May 14, 2013
I love this! I just impulse-bought a can of tomatoes last week and this is going to help me use them. I like either the Muir Glen organic brand or the San Marzanos with those pretty tomato illustrations on the label.
 
Brette W. May 14, 2013
I am NEVER without a few cans of San Marzanos in my pantry!
 
Sarah F. May 14, 2013
Other than the 1 magical month when tomatoes are in season in MN, good canned tomatoes are where it's at! With a can of San Marzano tomatoes, I can make my Risotto alla Margherita (http://www.strawberryplum.com/risotto-alla-margherita/) and taste summer any time of the year.