How to Cook with Hunt's Tomatoes
Mastering Rich Sauces and Soups
When it comes to cooking rich sauces and soups, the quality of tomatoes can make a significant difference in taste and texture. Hunt's Tomatoes, known for their vibrant tomato flavor and freshness, provide a reliable foundation for a variety of culinary creations. Their tomatoes are processed using FlashSteam®, which involves peeling with hot water rather than chemicals, ensuring that the natural freshness and taste of the tomatoes are preserved. This focus on natural processing methods translates into sauces and soups with a more authentic and robust tomato base.
Canned tomatoes are a pantry staple for their convenience and versatility, and using Hunt's varieties can elevate a simple dish to something special with minimal effort. These tomatoes come in different forms such as diced, whole, or stewed, allowing cooks to select the ideal type for their recipe. The consistent quality of Hunt's canned tomatoes helps maintain the integrity of the dishes they're used in, whether it's a heartwarming soup for a cold day or a rich tomato sauce for a classic pasta dish.
Because Hunt's tomatoes are picked at the peak of ripeness and canned without the use of artificial preservatives or ingredients, chefs and home cooks alike can trust them to deliver the sun-soaked flavor of fresh-off-the-vine California tomatoes year-round. Incorporating Hunt's products into sauces and soups not only enhances the depth of the dish but also simplifies the cooking process, allowing the natural taste of tomatoes to shine through. With Hunt's Tomatoes on hand, one can approach the kitchen with confidence, knowing that the flavors and freshness will contribute to creating superb and nourishing meals.
The Benefits of Hunt's Tomatoes
Hunt's Tomatoes are renowned for their freshness and non-GMO quality, providing a robust foundation for sauces and soups. They offer vital nutritional benefits and are processed using a unique peeling method that preserves their natural flavor and nutrients.
FlashSteam vs. Lye Peeling
FlashSteam is the innovative technique that sets Hunt's Tomatoes apart. Unlike lye peeling, which uses chemicals to peel tomatoes, FlashSteam uses natural steam from hot water. This method efficiently removes the skins while keeping the tomatoes' integrity intact. This not only ensures that the tomatoes are free from chemical residues, but it also retains more of their natural flavor and nutritional content, such as the vitamin C that is vital for a healthy diet.
Nutritional Advantage
When it comes to nutrition, Hunt's Tomatoes stand out. Their nutritional information reveals that they are low in calories and completely free from saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol, making them a health-conscious choice. They contain a minimal amount of sodium and sugar, while offering a substantial amount of protein and carbohydrates which are necessary for energy production. Hunt's commitment to non-GMO products ensures that consumers receive pure, wholesome tomato products enriched with natural vitamins and nutrients.
Preparing Your Tomatoes
Before incorporating Hunt's Tomatoes into any rich sauce or soup, it's vital to understand how to properly prepare them. This preparation ensures the inherent flavors are maximally utilized, creating a foundation for a richer culinary experience.
Diced Tomatoes Explained
Diced tomatoes from Hunt's are a versatile ingredient, perfect for adding texture and robust flavor to sauces and soups. They typically come in a can, immersed in tomato juice, sometimes with added seasonings. For cooking purposes, one may opt to drain the excess liquid to ensure the sauce or soup maintains its desired consistency. Extra virgin olive oil can be heated in a pot, to which the drained diced tomatoes are added. The use of olive oil helps to bring out the depth of the tomatoes' flavor. Steaming the diced tomatoes in just the right amount of water helps to preserve their shape and texture until they are ready to merge with other ingredients in a dish.
Remember, whole tomatoes can also be diced at home if canned diced tomatoes aren't available. Simply core and score the tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water, then shock in ice water. The skin will peel off easily, and the tomatoes can then be cut to the desired size. Whether using canned or fresh, dice the tomatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking.
Versatile Tomato Recipes
Hunt's tomatoes offer a rich foundation for an array of dishes, from robust sauces to warming soups and refreshing salads. The canned tomatoes' consistent quality ensures flavorful creations throughout the year.
Creating Rich Pasta Sauces
The key to a full-bodied pasta sauce is the base—ripe, intense Hunt's tomatoes simmered with a combination of garlic, onions, and olive oil. A customary blend of Italian oregano, other select spices, and a dash of wine creates a complex flavor profile. For an extra layer of richness, a generous helping of grated cheese, such as Parmesan, can be melted into the sauce just before serving.
Basic Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe:
2 cans Hunt's tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 cup red wine
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Sumptuous Stews and Hearty Soups
Hunt's tomatoes contribute to the heartiness of stews and the base of many soups. For a soup recipe, start with a broth enriched by Hunt's tomatoes, adding layers of flavor with vegetables such as carrot and pepper, and proteins like lentils or meatloaf. Incorporating olive oil imparts a satiny texture and complements the robust tomato base.
Simple Vegetable Tomato Soup Recipe:
1 can Hunt's tomatoes
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup chopped bell pepper
1 onion, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup cooked lentils or diced meatloaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Tantalizing Tomato Salads
Hunt's tomatoes can also cool down the palate as part of a tomato salad. Their bright, tangy flavor pairs well with crisp peppers, onions, and a dressing of olive oil. An assortment of fresh herbs and additional vegetables can turn a simple tomato salad into a substantial entrée or a refreshing side dish.
Fresh Tomato Salad Recipe:
2 cans Hunt's tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp vinegar
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or oregano, chopped
In these recipes, Hunt's tomatoes prove to be an essential and versatile ingredient capable of bringing depth and richness to various dishes. Whether one is crafting a family-favorite pasta sauce, a nourishing soup, or a vibrant salad, Hunt's tomatoes are a kitchen staple that inspires creativity and ensures delicious results.
Elevating Meat Dishes
When cooking meat dishes with Hunt's tomatoes, the goal is to enrich the flavors while allowing the natural taste of the meat to shine. Carefully selected ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and a blend of spices can enhance the robustness of the tomato base, creating a perfect harmony in every bite.
The Perfect Meatloaf
To craft an exceptional meatloaf, start by prioritizing high-quality meat and Hunt's tomatoes for their rich tomato flavor. A traditional meatloaf can be elevated by incorporating a generous dose of minced garlic and finely diced onions, which should be sautéed in extra virgin olive oil until tender before mixing with the meat. For a seasoned crust and moist interior, blend the following ingredients into the meat mixture:
Hunt's diced tomatoes: 1 can
Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
Onions, finely chopped: 1 large
Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper: to taste
Gently mix and form into a loaf, glazing the top with a tomato-based sauce for infused flavor. Bake as specified, ensuring a juicy, tender outcome that's packed with taste and smothered in a savory tomato glaze.
Lasagna That Rivals Any Italian Bistro
A lasagna that can hold its own against any Italian bistro requires attention to detail and the freshness of components like ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and rich cheese. Create layers of flavor starting with a base of Hunt's tomato sauce, enhanced with oregano, garlic, and olive oil. Alternate layers with the following:
Hunt's tomato sauce: as needed
Lasagna noodles, cooked: according to package instructions
Ricotta cheese: 1 cup
Mozzarella cheese, shredded: 2 cups
Ground meat, cooked and seasoned: 1 lb
Garlic, minced: 1 clove
Oregano: 1 teaspoon
Each layer should be generously ladled with sauce, peppered with garlic and oregano, and sprinkled with a blend of cheeses to ensure a gooey, flavorful interior. When the lasagna is fully assembled, bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the flavors have melded into a cohesive, aromatic dish.
Tomatoes and Health
The health benefits of tomatoes are vast, containing essential nutrients while complying with FDA guidelines. They cater to various dietary needs with their rich nutritional profile.
Understanding FDA Guideline Compliancy
Hunt's Tomatoes adhere to FDA regulations, which ensure their products are safe for consumption and accurately labeled with nutrition information. The tomatoes provide considerable healthfulness with key nutrients while maintaining a low calorie and fat content. Below is a breakdown of nutritional content in a standard serving of Hunt's canned tomatoes:
Nutrient Amount per serving Calories < 100 Total Fat < 1g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium < 500mg Sugars Varies Protein Around 2g Vitamin C Daily Value*
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
The FDA also emphasizes the importance of maintaining low levels of cholesterol and sodium for heart health, which Hunt's tomatoes manage effectively.
Managing Dietary Needs
Hunt's Tomatoes are a versatile dietary staple, aligning with health-conscious diets by offering low calories and minimal sugar. With typically less than 100 calories per serving, they are suitable for weight management. Additionally, they contain protein for muscle maintenance and are a natural source of Vitamin C, contributing to the antioxidant intake and immune support. The low total fat and cholesterol levels make them heart-friendly, while the sodium content, though present, is reasonable and can be managed within a balanced diet. Consumers with dietary restrictions can incorporate Hunt's Tomatoes into their eating plans confidently due to their healthful qualities and compliance with dietary needs.
Tips and Tricks
This section provides practical advice to enhance the flavor and texture of sauces and soups using Hunt's tomatoes. Home cooks can transform store-bought sauces into gourmet experiences and achieve the perfect puree consistency with a few simple techniques.
Enhancing Store-Bought Sauces
To elevate a store-bought pasta sauce, quality ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, and finely diced onions are recommended. The cook should begin by heating the olive oil over medium heat, then adding the garlic and onions, cooking them until they become translucent and aromatic. Introducing a blend of spices such as oregano, basil, and a hint of salt and pepper can further accentuate the tomato flavor. A trick to deepen the sauce's complexity is to add a small amount of high-quality cheese, such as grated Parmesan, to provide a rich, savory note.
Key Ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, onions, spices
Spices: Salt, pepper, oregano, basil
Flavor Boosters: High-quality cheese, fresh herbs
Purees and Consistencies
When making soups or sauces from scratch using Hunt's tomatoes, achieving the perfect texture is crucial. For a smooth puree, a blender or an immersion blender can be used to process the tomatoes until the desired consistency is reached. If a thicker texture is preferred, one can simmer the tomatoes for an extended period to reduce the water content or add a tablespoon of tomato paste. Careful seasoning with salt and pepper during the blending process ensures that the flavors are well-balanced. Cooks should always taste and adjust spices as needed, and they can also strain the puree through a fine mesh for an even silkier texture.
Equipment: Blender, immersion blender
Techniques: Simmering, blending, straining
Texture Adjustment: Long simmering, addition of tomato paste
