Basic Stewed Tomatoes With Fresh Tomatoes

Written by
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Diana Rattray
Updated 12/10/20
Stewed Tomatoes Recipe
The Spruce
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 30 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
26 Calories
2g Fat
2g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 26
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 1g 6%
Cholesterol 5mg 2%
Sodium 2mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 2g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Protein 0g
Calcium 5mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This basic stewed tomatoes recipe is simply made with fresh tomatoes, salt, pepper, butter, and sugar.

Use up those ripe tomatoes from your garden or grab a nice selection of tomatoes from the grocery store or farmers market for this recipe. It takes only 30 minutes to make from start to finish, so you will enjoy the ease of making it and its delicious flavor. 

Stewed tomatoes can be eaten as is, or throw some croutons on top for that extra crunchy texture. They are also great to use in stews and chilis. 

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Ingredients

  • 4 large tomatoes (or 6 medium tomatoes)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Optional: croutons

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Stewed tomatoes ingredients
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  2. Peel the tomatoes.

    Peel tomatoes
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  3. Cut them into chunks.

    Cut tomatoes into chunks
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  4. Heat the tomatoes in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes.

    Heat tomatoes in saucepan
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  5. Continue cooking over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently, or until desired consistency is reached.

    Continue cooking tomatoes while stirring
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  6. Add salt, pepper, sugar, and butter; taste and adjust seasonings. If desired, serve with croutons on top. Enjoy.

    Add seasonings and croutons to finished stewed tomatoes
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Recipe Variations

  • Sauté some finely chopped celery, onion, and bell peppers for a zestier, more flavorful dish.
  • Add a few dashes of Tabasco or some red pepper flakes for a little heat.