You can simmer a simple batch on the stovetop. Here’s a general approach that many home cooks use:

1. Sauté aromatics: Warm a little oil in a pot, then cook chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper until tender. Add minced garlic briefly.
2. Add tomatoes and season: Stir in peeled fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes you’ve chopped. Add salt, pepper, and herbs like basil and oregano.
3. Simmer gently: Let it bubble on low until the tomatoes soften and flavors meld, adjusting seasoning to taste.

Timings can vary by ripeness and cut size. Prefer a shortcut? Canned stewed tomatoes come pre-seasoned and ready for recipes, with options for pickup or delivery.

They’re different in texture and flavor:

• Stewed tomatoes: Typically sliced and cooked with seasonings (like onion, celery, peppers or herbs). The texture is tender, with noticeable pieces.
• Crushed tomatoes: Usually a smoother, saucier blend with fine bits. They’re often more neutral in flavor.

If you’re substituting, it can work with a few tweaks:

• Using stewed in place of crushed? Chop them smaller and simmer longer for a smoother sauce. Taste and adjust spices since they’re already seasoned.
• Using crushed in place of stewed? Add aromatics and herbs, and simmer to build that stewed-style flavor.

Stewed tomatoes are tomatoes that have been cooked gently with seasonings. They’re commonly sliced (or cut into chunks) and often include aromatics like onion, celery, and green pepper.

• Texture: Tender pieces in a lightly seasoned tomato base.
• Flavors: You’ll see varieties such as original recipe, Italian-style (with basil, garlic, oregano), and Mexican-style (with ingredients like jalapeño and cumin).
• Uses: Convenient in chili, soups, casseroles, pasta skillets, and slow-cooker meals.
• Packaging: Common sizes include around 14.5 oz for everyday recipes and larger cans for family meals, plus multi-packs for pantry stocking.

Canned stewed tomatoes offer a handy base that can save prep time on busy nights.

It depends on the flavors you want to build:

• Original recipe: A classic tomato base with savory aromatics like onion, celery, and green pepper. It’s versatile for chili, hearty soups, and casseroles.
• Italian-style: Typically seasoned with basil, garlic, and oregano. It can complement pasta skillets, meatballs, and baked dishes.
• Looking for heat? A Mexican-inspired recipe may include jalapeño, garlic, and cumin for a spiced kick.

Check the ingredient list to match seasonings and any spice level to your recipe. You’ll find single cans and multi-packs in several sizes for pickup or delivery, so it’s easy to stock what you’ll use most.

Yes, with a few adjustments:

• Texture: Stewed tomatoes are softer and usually come in larger slices. Chop them into smaller pieces to mimic diced tomatoes.
• Seasoning: They’re already seasoned, so taste your dish before adding extra salt, garlic, or herbs.
• Liquid: If your recipe needs a firmer texture (like for a chunky salsa or a dry skillet), drain off a little liquid first.
• Best fits: Swaps tend to work well in soups, chilis, casseroles, and pasta sauces, though results can vary by recipe.

When in doubt, adjust seasoning and simmer time to reach your preferred consistency.