12 Best Stewed Tomato Recipes To Try Today | Delicious & Versatile 2025

Hello, culinary adventurers! Welcome to Mangoes and Palm Trees, where our family—Oliver, Natalia, and Victor—shares our love for global flavors and travel tales. Today, we’re diving into 12 tempting stewed tomato recipes to spice up your day, inspired by our journeys from Italy’s Amalfi Coast to Nigeria’s bustling markets. During a sun-soaked trip to Naples, we savored the rich simplicity of stewed tomatoes, sparking our passion for this versatile ingredient.

Tomatoes—technically a fruit but loved as a veggie—are a kitchen staple worldwide, and stewing them unlocks their sweet, concentrated magic. Whether you’re craving a hearty stew or a surprising dessert, these recipes showcase stewed tomatoes’ endless possibilities. Keep reading to explore and elevate your meals with our family’s favorites!

A vibrant array of stewed tomato dishes from our travels—image to be updated!

What Are Stewed Tomatoes?

Stewed tomatoes are fresh tomatoes cooked down into a thick, sweet, jam-like base, often canned for convenience but easily made at home. This process enhances their flavor, concentrating natural sugars and nutrients like vitamin C and lycopene (USDA). Unlike fresh tomatoes, stewed versions offer a deeper taste, perfect for soups, sauces, and stews. Customize them with herbs or spices, and they become a culinary cornerstone across cultures—from Italian sauces to African stews.

12 Best Stewed Tomato Recipes To Try Today

1. Latin-Inspired Stewed Tomatoes

Our travels through Latin America introduced us to this zesty dish—stewed tomatoes with bell peppers and a hint of chili heat, reminiscent of salsa. It’s a versatile base for tacos or chili.

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh tomatoes, chopped	2 lbs
Bell pepper, diced	1 medium
Jalapeño, seeded and chopped	1 (optional)
Onion, chopped	1 small
Olive oil	1 tbsp
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Salt	1 tsp
Cumin	½ tsp

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 3 minutes.
3. Add bell pepper and jalapeño (if using); cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in tomatoes, salt, and cumin; simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
5. Serve as a side or use in Latin dishes like chili or tacos.

Nutrition (per serving): 90 kcal, 2g protein, 4g fat, 12g carbs

Tip: Add more jalapeños for extra spice! See chili varieties in our [Chiles Guide](https://mangoesandpalmtrees.com/what-are-the-differences-between-california-and-guajillo-chiles/).

2. Simple Stewed Tomatoes

During a summer in Tuscany, we learned to let fresh tomatoes shine in this simple stew—a perfect starter with bread or a base for other dishes.

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh tomatoes, chopped	2 lbs
Olive oil	1 tbsp
Onion, diced	1 small
Garlic, minced	1 clove
Sugar	1 tsp
Salt	1 tsp
Black pepper	½ tsp

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat; sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down.
4. Adjust seasoning and serve warm with bread like our [Cherry Beer Bread](https://mangoesandpalmtrees.com/how-to-make-cherry-beer-bread/).

Nutrition (per serving): 80 kcal, 2g protein, 3g fat, 12g carbs

3. Southern-Style Stewed Tomatoes

A taste of Southern hospitality from our Georgia road trip—bacon adds smoky depth to these stewed tomatoes, with croutons soaking up the flavor.

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh tomatoes, chopped	2 lbs
Bacon, chopped	4 slices
Onion, diced	1 small
Garlic, minced	1 clove
Sugar	1 tbsp
Salt	1 tsp
Croutons	1 cup

Instructions:

1. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp; remove and crumble.
2. In bacon fat, sauté onion and garlic for 3 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes, sugar, and salt; simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Stir in bacon and croutons; serve warm as a side or over toast.

Nutrition (per serving): 150 kcal, 4g protein, 8g fat, 16g carbs

Tip: Pair with [Shredded Beef](https://mangoesandpalmtrees.com/best-shredded-beef-recipes/) for a hearty meal.

4. Italian-Style Stewed Tomatoes

From our Italian summers, these basil and oregano-infused stewed tomatoes are a Mediterranean delight, perfect for pasta or pizza.

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh tomatoes, chopped	2 lbs
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Fresh basil, chopped	¼ cup
Dried oregano	1 tsp
Salt	1 tsp
Black pepper	½ tsp

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat; sauté garlic for 1 minute.
2. Add tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
4. Use as a sauce or side, perfect with pasta or on toast.

Nutrition (per serving): 100 kcal, 2g protein, 6g fat, 10g carbs

5. Shakshuka (Eggs in Purgatory)

Our North African breakfast favorite—eggs poached in spiced stewed tomatoes, a dish we enjoyed in Morocco’s bustling souks.

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh tomatoes, chopped	2 lbs
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Onion, chopped	1 medium
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Cumin	1 tsp
Paprika	1 tsp
Eggs	4 large
Salt & pepper	To taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet; sauté onion and garlic for 3 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Make 4 wells in the sauce; crack an egg into each.
4. Cover and cook until eggs set, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Serve with bread for dipping.

Nutrition (per serving): 180 kcal, 8g protein, 12g fat, 10g carbs

6. Tomato Soup

A creamy Italian-inspired soup from our cozy nights in Rome—stewed tomatoes with basil make it a comforting classic.

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh tomatoes, chopped	2 lbs
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Onion, chopped	1 medium
Garlic, minced	1 clove
Heavy cream	½ cup
Fresh basil, chopped	2 tbsp
Salt & pepper	To taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot; sauté onion and garlic for 3 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper; simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender.
4. Stir in cream and basil; heat through and serve.

Nutrition (per serving): 200 kcal, 3g protein, 16g fat, 12g carbs

7. Gazpacho

A refreshing summer soup from Spain’s Andalusia, enjoyed on our Amalfi Coast trips—cold stewed tomatoes blended with veggies.

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh tomatoes, chopped	2 lbs
Cucumber, peeled and chopped	1 medium
Bell pepper, chopped	1 medium
Garlic, minced	1 clove
Olive oil	¼ cup
Red wine vinegar	2 tbsp
Salt & pepper	To taste

Instructions:

1. Simmer tomatoes in a pot for 15 minutes; cool slightly.
2. Blend tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, garlic, oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition (per serving): 140 kcal, 2g protein, 10g fat, 12g carbs

8. Polpo Alla Pignata

A sophisticated octopus stew from Puglia, tasted on our Italian coast trip—stewed tomatoes enhance tender octopus with fennel.

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh tomatoes, chopped	2 lbs
Octopus, cleaned	1 lb
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Fennel bulb, sliced	1 small
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
White wine	½ cup
Salt & pepper	To taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot; sauté garlic and fennel for 5 minutes.
2. Add octopus and wine; cook until wine reduces, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in tomatoes, salt, and pepper; cover and simmer for 1 hour until octopus is tender.
4. Serve with crusty bread.

Nutrition (per serving): 250 kcal, 20g protein, 10g fat, 15g carbs

9. Nigerian Tomato Stew

A vibrant stew from our Nigerian market visits—stewed tomatoes with peppers and spices, traditionally with goat, adaptable to any protein.

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh tomatoes, chopped	2 lbs
Goat meat or chicken, cubed	1 lb
Red bell pepper, chopped	1 medium
Onion, chopped	1 medium
Vegetable oil	¼ cup
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Curry powder	1 tsp
Salt & pepper	To taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot; brown meat for 10 minutes, then remove.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 5 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes and curry powder; simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Return meat to pot; cook for 30 minutes until tender.
5. Serve over rice or with flatbread.

Nutrition (per serving): 300 kcal, 20g protein, 18g fat, 15g carbs

10. Rogan Josh

A mild Kashmiri curry from our Indian travels—stewed tomatoes with yogurt and spices create a comforting dish with lamb.

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh tomatoes, chopped	2 lbs
Lamb, cubed	1 lb
Yogurt	½ cup
Ginger, grated	1 tbsp
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Garam masala	2 tsp
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Salt	1 tsp

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot; brown lamb for 5 minutes, then remove.
2. Sauté ginger and garlic for 1 minute.
3. Add tomatoes, garam masala, and salt; simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Stir in yogurt and lamb; cook for 30 minutes until tender.
5. Serve with rice or naan—try our [Ground Lamb Recipes](https://mangoesandpalmtrees.com/best-ground-lamb-recipes/).

Nutrition (per serving): 320 kcal, 22g protein, 20g fat, 12g carbs

11. Spaghetti Napolitana

A Naples classic from our Italian evenings—stewed tomatoes with garlic and olive oil make a simple, flavorful pasta dish.

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh tomatoes, chopped	2 lbs
Spaghetti	12 oz
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Fresh basil, chopped	¼ cup
Parmesan, grated	¼ cup
Salt & pepper	To taste

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente; drain.
2. Heat oil in a skillet; sauté garlic for 1 minute.
3. Add tomatoes, salt, and pepper; simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Toss spaghetti with sauce, top with basil and Parmesan, and serve.

Nutrition (per serving): 400 kcal, 12g protein, 10g fat, 65g carbs

12. Cherry Tomato Cobbler with Basil Ice Cream

A surprising dessert from our Southern adventures—stewed cherry tomatoes under a biscuit topping with basil ice cream, blending sweet and savory.

Ingredient	Quantity
Cherry tomatoes	2 lbs
Sugar	¼ cup
Flour	1 cup
Baking powder	1 tsp
Butter, cold	4 tbsp
Milk	½ cup
Basil ice cream	1 pint

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Simmer tomatoes with sugar for 15 minutes; pour into a baking dish.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt; cut in butter, then add milk to form dough.
4. Drop dough by spoonfuls over tomatoes; bake for 30 minutes until golden.
5. Serve warm with basil ice cream.

Nutrition (per serving): 280 kcal, 5g protein, 12g fat, 40g carbs

Final Thoughts

These 12 stewed tomato recipes prove tomatoes’ incredible versatility, from hearty stews to surprising desserts. Inspired by our travels, they’re affordable, flavorful bases for any meal. Explore more at chicken liver recipes or chicken salad. Subscribe at our page, and share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram—tag us! Happy cooking in 2025!