So, what's the main difference between stewed and crushed tomatoes? It all comes down to texture! Stewed tomatoes are thick and chunky, while crushed tomatoes are smooth and, well, crushy. If a recipe calls for one, you can't just substitute it with the other - it's like trying to put a square peg in a round hole!
That being said, you can always blend your stewed tomatoes to create a smoother texture, similar to crushed tomatoes. But, if you're looking for that authentic, homemade taste, you'll want to use the real deal - stewed tomatoes, made with love and care, just like nonna used to make!