What is a common use for tomatoes in cooking?

Tomatoes are incredibly versatile and can be utilized in various ways in cooking, with two common uses being as a sauce or chopped in salads. When used as a sauce, tomatoes can be cooked down to create a rich, flavorful base for numerous dishes, including pasta, pizza, and stews. This method highlights tomatoes' natural sweetness and acidity, which complement various ingredients in a meal.

Additionally, fresh tomatoes are often chopped and added to salads, providing a burst of freshness and juiciness. Their bright flavor and vibrant color enhance the overall aesthetic and taste of salads, making them a staple ingredient in many cuisines worldwide.

Other methods, such as wrapping tomatoes in leaves or using them whole and salted, are less common and do not capture the full culinary potential of tomatoes as effectively as using them in sauces or fresh in salads.