Unlock Culinary Adventures: The Aldi Item You MUST Always Have in Your Pantry
Aldi. The land of surprisingly delicious finds, unbeatable prices, and the occasional quirky product you never knew you needed. Navigating its aisles can feel like a treasure hunt, but seasoned Aldi shoppers know the key to unlocking culinary potential lies in identifying those staple items that elevate everyday meals. While opinions may vary on the best cheeses or the most decadent desserts, there’s one unassuming ingredient that consistently proves its worth: Canned Diced Tomatoes.
Yes, you read that right. Canned diced tomatoes. It might not sound glamorous, but trust me, this pantry powerhouse is the secret weapon for countless quick, easy, and flavorful meals. And Aldi’s Simply Nature Organic Diced Tomatoes (or their regular diced tomatoes, depending on your preference) offer incredible value, making them a must-have on your shopping list.
Why canned diced tomatoes? Their versatility is unmatched. They’re a blank canvas ready to absorb flavors, adding depth, acidity, and texture to a wide array of dishes. They’re also incredibly convenient, shelf-stable, and budget-friendly. Forget about laboriously peeling and chopping fresh tomatoes – canned diced tomatoes are ready to go whenever inspiration strikes.
But why Aldi’s specifically? It boils down to quality and price. Aldi consistently offers canned diced tomatoes at a price point that’s hard to beat, especially compared to larger grocery chains. And while price is important, quality isn’t sacrificed. Their Simply Nature Organic line provides an excellent organic option without breaking the bank.
So, now that we’ve established the importance of stocking up on Aldi’s canned diced tomatoes, let’s dive into some delicious and easy recipes that showcase their versatility:
## Recipe 1: Quick & Easy Tomato Pasta Sauce
This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can Aldi’s Simply Nature Organic Diced Tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15 ounce) can Aldi’s Tomato Sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Cooked pasta of your choice
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté the garlic:** Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. **Add the tomatoes and seasonings:** Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. **Simmer the sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
4. **Season to taste:** Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can also add a pinch of sugar if the sauce is too acidic.
5. **Serve:** Serve the sauce over your favorite cooked pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil, if desired.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Add vegetables:** Sauté diced onions, carrots, or bell peppers along with the garlic for a more substantial sauce.
* **Boost the flavor:** Add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer, more intense tomato flavor.
* **Make it creamy:** Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end for a creamy tomato sauce.
* **Spice it up:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
* **Use fresh herbs:** If you have fresh basil or oregano on hand, chop them up and add them to the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering for a burst of fresh flavor.
## Recipe 2: Hearty Tomato Soup
This comforting tomato soup is perfect for a chilly day. It’s packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 (28 ounce) cans Aldi’s Simply Nature Organic Diced Tomatoes, undrained
* 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: croutons, grated cheese, sour cream, fresh basil
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté the onion and garlic:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, or until fragrant.
2. **Add the tomatoes, broth, and seasonings:** Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and vegetable broth. Stir in the dried oregano and dried basil.
3. **Simmer the soup:** Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. **Blend the soup (optional):** For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth.
5. **Season to taste:** Season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
6. **Serve:** Serve the soup hot, garnished with your favorite toppings, such as croutons, grated cheese, sour cream, or fresh basil.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Add roasted vegetables:** Roast vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers before adding them to the soup for a deeper, richer flavor.
* **Make it creamy:** Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamy tomato soup.
* **Add a protein:** Add cooked chicken, sausage, or chickpeas for a heartier soup.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
* **Grill it!** Nothing is more satisfying that having grilled cheese on a cold rainy day.
## Recipe 3: Spicy Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a North African and Middle Eastern dish of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can Aldi’s Simply Nature Organic Diced Tomatoes, undrained
* 1 tablespoon tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 6 eggs
* Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
* Crusty bread, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté the vegetables:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, or until fragrant.
2. **Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices:** Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato paste. Stir in the cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. **Simmer the sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. **Create wells for the eggs:** Use a spoon to create six small wells in the sauce.
5. **Crack the eggs:** Crack an egg into each well.
6. **Poach the eggs:** Cover the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. The cooking time will depend on your preference for how cooked you like your yolks.
7. **Garnish and serve:** Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Add chorizo or sausage:** Cook chorizo or sausage along with the vegetables for a heartier shakshuka.
* **Add feta cheese:** Crumble feta cheese over the shakshuka before serving for a salty and tangy flavor.
* **Adjust the spice level:** Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level of the dish.
* **Use different vegetables:** Add other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or spinach to the shakshuka.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Omit the chorizo or sausage for a vegetarian version.
## Recipe 4: Chili
Aldi is well known for their ground beef. Combining it with their canned diced tomatoes makes a classic dish. This is the chili recipe that will knock your socks off.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 pound ground beef
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can Aldi’s Simply Nature Organic Diced Tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onion, avocado
**Instructions:**
1. **Brown the ground beef:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Sauté the vegetables:** Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Add the remaining ingredients:** Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Simmer the chili:** Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop.
5. **Serve:** Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onion, and avocado.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Add more vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini to the chili.
* **Use different beans:** Experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto beans or great northern beans.
* **Add a smoky flavor:** Add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced, for a smoky and spicy flavor.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Omit the ground beef and add more beans or vegetables for a vegetarian chili.
* **Slow Cooker Chili:** Brown the ground beef, saute the onion and garlic then throw everything in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours.
## Recipe 5: Tomato Bruschetta
A simple dish that can be an appetizer or a snack. Ready in just minutes! This version is a great compliment to a meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can Aldi’s Simply Nature Organic Diced Tomatoes, drained
* 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine ingredients:** In a medium bowl, combine the drained diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. **Marinate:** Let the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. **Prepare the bread:** Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices. Brush the slices with olive oil and toast them in the oven or on a grill until lightly golden brown.
4. **Assemble the bruschetta:** Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toasted baguette slices.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Add mozzarella:** Top the bruschetta with fresh mozzarella cheese for a creamy and delicious twist.
* **Use different herbs:** Experiment with other herbs like oregano or thyme in addition to basil.
* **Add red onion:** Add finely diced red onion to the tomato mixture for a sharper flavor.
* **Grill the bread:** Grilling the baguette slices adds a smoky flavor to the bruschetta.
* **Add a drizzle:** Drizzle balsamic glaze on top for extra flavor.
## Recipe 6: One-Pan Chicken and Rice
This is a simple, convenient, and delicious dish all done in one pan.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup long-grain rice
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can Aldi’s Simply Nature Organic Diced Tomatoes, undrained
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Sear the chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. **Sauté the vegetables:** Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Add rice, broth, and tomatoes:** Stir in the rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), oregano, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Return chicken to the skillet:** Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture.
5. **Bake:** Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and transfer it to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. **Rest:** Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
7. **Garnish and serve:** Garnish with chopped parsley (optional) and serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Add vegetables:** Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the skillet along with the onion and garlic.
* **Use different herbs:** Experiment with other herbs like basil, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* **Use different cuts of chicken:** Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and add chickpeas or other beans for a vegetarian version.
## Recipe 7: Tomato and Basil Pasta Salad
Perfect for lunch or dinner. Great for when you have unexpected guests.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
* 1 (28 ounce) can Aldi’s Simply Nature Organic Diced Tomatoes, drained
* 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the pasta:** Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. **Combine ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, drained diced tomatoes, chopped basil, olive oil, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. **Toss and chill:** Toss all ingredients together until well combined. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. **Serve:** Serve the pasta salad cold.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Add mozzarella:** Add fresh mozzarella balls or cubed mozzarella cheese for a creamy addition.
* **Add olives:** Add sliced black olives or Kalamata olives for a salty and briny flavor.
* **Add sun-dried tomatoes:** Add sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) for an intense tomato flavor.
* **Add grilled vegetables:** Add grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for a more substantial salad.
* **Use different cheeses:** Experiment with other cheeses like feta or goat cheese.
## Beyond Recipes: Other Uses for Canned Diced Tomatoes
While these recipes offer a great starting point, the possibilities with canned diced tomatoes extend far beyond. Here are a few other ideas:
* **Soup Base:** Use them as a base for countless soups, adding vegetables, beans, and protein for a complete meal.
* **Stew Starter:** Incorporate them into stews for added flavor and texture. They pair well with beef, chicken, or lentils.
* **Pizza Topping:** Use them as a base for your homemade pizza sauce. Simply blend them with herbs and spices for a quick and easy sauce.
* **Salsa Ingredient:** Add them to your homemade salsa for a chunky texture and fresh tomato flavor.
* **Egg Scramble Booster:** Add a spoonful or two to your scrambled eggs for a burst of flavor and moisture.
* **Sauce Thickener:** Use them to thicken sauces and gravies without adding flour or cornstarch.
## Stocking Up Strategically:
So, how many cans of Aldi’s diced tomatoes should you keep on hand? That depends on your cooking habits and how often you plan to use them. However, a good rule of thumb is to keep at least 4-6 cans in your pantry at all times. This ensures you always have a base for a quick and easy meal. And because they’re shelf-stable, you don’t have to worry about them going bad anytime soon.
When you’re at Aldi, check for any weekly or monthly specials that might further reduce the price. Stocking up when they’re on sale is a smart way to save even more money.
## Final Thoughts:
Aldi’s canned diced tomatoes are more than just a pantry staple; they’re a culinary secret weapon. Their versatility, affordability, and convenience make them an essential ingredient for any home cook. By stocking up on this humble item, you’ll unlock a world of delicious and easy meal possibilities, saving you time, money, and stress in the kitchen. So, next time you’re at Aldi, don’t forget to grab a few extra cans – you’ll be surprised at how often you reach for them!