Pizza is one of the world’s most popular foods, loved by people from all walks of life. The deliciousness of a pizza can largely be attributed to its sauce, which provides a flavorful base for the rest of the ingredients. If you’re planning on making pizza at home, a well-crafted, homemade pizza sauce can elevate your pizza from good to great. Let’s dive into a simple yet delicious recipe for a classic pizza sauce.
Ingredients
- One 28-ounce can of whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons of sugar, if desired for additional sweetness
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Preparation
- Purée the Tomatoes: Drain the tomatoes from the can, reserving the juice for another use if desired. Put the tomatoes into a food processor or blender and purée until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, pulse the tomatoes instead of blending them completely.
- Cook the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Stirring frequently, cook the garlic until it is golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Add the Tomatoes and Spices: Add the tomato purée to the pan with the garlic. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt. If you’re adding sugar, this is the time to do it.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together and will also thicken the sauce slightly.
- Season to Taste: After the sauce has simmered, taste it and add additional salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed. Remember, the sauce will be spread thin on your pizza, so it should be a bit more flavorful than you might initially expect.
- Cool and Use: Remove the sauce from the heat and allow it to cool before using it on your pizza. If you’re not using it immediately, the sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Making homemade pizza sauce is a simple process, and the result is a flavorful, versatile sauce that can be used not just on pizza, but in many other dishes as well. This sauce will surely impress your family and friends, and may even become a staple in your home. Enjoy your pizza-making adventures!