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SMART SHOPPING: Tomato puree

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Tomato puree, like tomato sauce, is cooked and strained to remove the tomato seeds, making it much smoother and thicker than other canned tomato products. But tomato puree has a slightly thicker consistency than tomato sauce, which is why we use it in our slow-cooker sauces–it helps us achieve the consistency of a stovetop sauce without the benefit of the reduction that comes with a long simmer in an uncovered pot or skillet. Our favorite brand is Hunt’s Tomato Puree, which offers a nice, thick consistency and tomatoey flavor.