What is the difference between tomato sauce and puree?

Tomato sauce and tomato puree are both made from tomatoes, but they differ in texture, consistency, and flavor.

Tomato Sauce:

* Texture: Thicker and more flavorful, with a chunky consistency.

* Ingredients: Typically includes tomatoes, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices.

* Flavor: Richer and more complex, with a bolder flavor due to added ingredients.

* Use: Used in a wide variety of dishes, including pasta sauces, pizzas, and soups.

Tomato Puree:

* Texture: Smooth and silky, with a uniform consistency.

* Ingredients: Made primarily from crushed tomatoes, sometimes with added salt and lemon juice.

* Flavor: Simpler and more delicate, with a concentrated tomato flavor.

* Use: Used as a base for sauces, soups, and stews, or as a topping for pizza and pasta dishes.

Here's a simple analogy:

* Tomato sauce is like a well-seasoned stew - it's rich, flavorful, and has chunky ingredients.

* Tomato puree is like a tomato smoothie - it's smooth, simple, and has a pure tomato flavor.

In summary:

| Feature | Tomato Sauce | Tomato Puree |

|---|---|---|

| Texture | Chunky | Smooth |

| Ingredients | Tomatoes, onions, garlic, herbs, spices | Crushed tomatoes, salt, lemon juice |

| Flavor | Rich, complex | Simple, concentrated |

| Use | Versatile for various dishes | Base for sauces, soups, stews |

You can choose the best option depending on the dish you're preparing and the desired flavor profile.