When to Substitute Canned Tomatoes for Fresh Tomatoes

Question

What is your advise on substituting canned tomatoes in a recipe where they are going to be cooked within the dish? For example, could canned tomatoes be substituted for the following two recipes? If so....what kind of tomatoes and how large of can for each recipe? Is there a general guideline to follow?
# MEXICAN-STYLE “DRY” NOODLES WITH CHICKEN
# PORK TENDERLOIN IN TOMATO-CHIPOTLE SAUCE

Elizabeth Mindreau · Accepted Answer

Dear Janet,
We generally prefer fresh tomatoes because canned diced tomatoes contain calcium chloride which prevents the tomatoes from breaking down. That said, you can substitute a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes with their juices for 1 pound of fresh tomatoes in these recipes. Your cook time might be a little longer due to the extra liquid from the juices, so keep an eye out for the visual cues in the recipes.
Best,
The Milk Street Team

When to Substitute Canned Tomatoes for Fresh Tomatoes

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