Are you ready to take your pizza night to new heights? This homemade pizza sauce recipe is a game-changer! With its rich, robust flavors and simple ingredients, you’ll never want to use store-bought sauce again. Perfect for any pizza lover, this sauce is sure to impress friends and family alike. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious recipe that brings your pizzas to life!
Ingredients
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields about 2 cups of sauce, enough for 4 medium pizzas. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, while cooking time is around 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1/4 cup): Calories: 50, Total Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 0.5g, Sodium: 150mg, Carbohydrates: 6g, Fiber: 1g, Sugars: 2g, Protein: 1g. This nutritional information is based on a serving size of 1/4 cup.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes.
4. Add sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix well and bring the sauce to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Stir in red wine vinegar and red pepper flakes.
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 diced tomatoes for a different texture. Fresh herbs can replace dried ones if available. Adjust the garlic amount to your taste for a more robust flavor.
Serving and Pairings
This pizza sauce pairs wonderfully with various toppings like mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, or vegetables. It’s also great for dipping breadsticks or as a base for pasta dishes.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through.
Cooking Mistakes
– Using too much salt can overpower the sauce.
– Not simmering long enough can result in a raw tomato taste.
– Skipping the sugar can lead to a more acidic flavor.
– Forgetting to adjust seasoning at the end can affect the final taste.
– Overcooking the garlic may cause bitterness.
– Not blending the sauce can leave it chunky if that’s not desired.
Helpful Tips
– Use quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
– Experiment with different herbs to find your favorite blend.
– Let the sauce cool before storing to avoid condensation.
– For a smoky flavor, add a touch of smoked paprika.
– Make a larger batch and freeze for future use.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and crush them before adding to the sauce. You’ll need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes for this recipe.
How long can I store the sauce?
Homemade pizza sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for up to three months.
Can I make this sauce spicy?
Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level to your liking.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, all the ingredients in this pizza sauce recipe are plant-based, making it perfect for vegans.
What can I do with leftover sauce?
Leftover sauce can be used in pasta dishes, as a dipping sauce, or on other types of pizzas. Get creative with your leftovers!
Conclusion
Creating your pizza sauce is a rewarding experience that enhances your homemade pizzas. With fresh ingredients and a few simple steps, you can craft a sauce that elevates your meals. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and pairings to find your perfect pizza sauce!
Pizza Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes.
- Add sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Stir in red wine vinegar and red pepper flakes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Use immediately or store for later use.
Nutrition
