Are you ready to elevate your pizza night with a homemade pizza sauce? This rich and flavorful sauce is all you need to transform your pizza into a culinary masterpiece. Easy to make and bursting with freshness, our pizza sauce recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the simple steps to create your own delicious sauce at home!
Ingredients
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 2 cups of sauce, serving approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Nutritional value per serving (approximately 1/2 cup):
– Calories: 80
– Fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 10g
– Fiber: 2g
– Protein: 2g
This nutritional information is for one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, mixing well.
4. Add dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
5. If desired, add red pepper flakes for some heat.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
7. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
10. Use immediately or store for later use.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute crushed tomatoes with tomato puree or fresh tomatoes blended until smooth. For a spicier kick, try adding diced jalapeños instead of red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs can also be used instead of dried for a fresher flavor.
Serving and Pairings
This pizza sauce pairs perfectly with homemade pizza dough, but it’s also great with pasta, as a dip for breadsticks, or as a base for baked dishes like lasagna.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over low heat.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the garlic can make it bitter.
- Not seasoning enough can leave the sauce bland.
- Using too much sugar can overpower the tomato flavor.
- Skipping the simmering step may result in a watery sauce.
- Not adjusting the consistency can affect how it spreads on pizza.
Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Let the sauce cool before storing to maintain freshness.
- Experiment with different herbs for unique flavor profiles.
- Make a double batch and freeze for future pizza nights.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used, but you’ll need to peel and crush them first. A blend of different tomato varieties can enhance the flavor.
How long can I store the pizza sauce?
In the refrigerator, the sauce will last up to a week. Frozen sauce can be stored for up to three months.
Can I add meat to the sauce?
Absolutely! Ground meat can be cooked and added to the sauce for a heartier version.
Is this sauce suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this pizza sauce is vegetarian-friendly and made entirely from plant-based ingredients.
What can I do with leftover sauce?
Leftover sauce is great for pasta dishes, casseroles, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Conclusion
Making your own pizza sauce is a simple yet rewarding process that enhances any pizza experience. With fresh ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a sauce that rivals your favorite pizzeria. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making this sauce your own!
Pizza Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, mixing well.
- Add dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- If desired, add red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Use immediately or store for later use.
