Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe

Making homemade pizza sauce is like crafting a masterpiece, and this recipe is my secret weapon for turning any pizza into a culinary adventure.

Creating a flavorful homemade pizza sauce is something I love to do. My version uses a combination of crushed tomatoes and such aromatic, rich ingredients as garlic, oregano, and basil.

To my mind, this is a sauce that should pack a robust taste and satisfy the five basic tastes in human perception: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savory. A hint of sugar helps balance the sauce’s acidity, and I’m convinced that everything from this point onward in the recipe—from the high-quality olive oil to the optional, because not everyone is a fan, red pepper flakes—has something to do with the awesome taste of the finished product.

Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe Ingredients

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• Olive oil: Rich in healthy fats, enhances flavor depth.
• Garlic: Adds a robust savory flavor, boosts immune health.
• Crushed tomatoes: Provides rich umami, a source of vitamins A and C.
• Oregano: Offers aromatic, earthy notes with antioxidant properties.
• Basil: Bright, sweet flavor, contains vitamin K for bone health.

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Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

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How to Make this Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the olive oil over a medium flame.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.

3. Incorporate the crushed tomatoes, making sure they are fully mixed in.

4. In the saucepan, combine dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme.

5. When using, stir in the red pepper flakes to add heat.

6. To balance the acidity of the tomatoes, add the sugar.

7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then serve.

8. Let the mixture simmer very gently. Then, lower the heat.

9. For 15-20 minutes, let the sauce simmer with no cover, stirring it from time to time. After this time, it should reach a thickness that pleases you. If it hasn’t, let it go longer.

10. Take it off the fire and let it cool before you slather it on the dough. That’s your pizza sauce! Enjoy.

Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Medium-sized saucepan
2. Stove or cooktop
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Garlic press or knife (for mincing garlic)
5. Measuring spoons
6. Can opener
7. Mixing spoon or whisk (optional)
8. Heat-resistant gloves or pot holder

FAQ

• Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?A: Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used. About 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes should be blanched, peeled, and crushed to replace the canned version.
• Q: How can I make this sauce spicier?A: For additional heat, boost the amount of dried red pepper flakes or add a bit of cayenne pepper.
• Q: How long can I store the pizza sauce?A: An airtight container in the refrigerator can keep it fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Q: Can I use fresh herbs in place of dried ones?A: In fact, about three times the amount of fresh herbs should be used compared to dried. They should be added to the dish toward the end of the cooking process if you want to retain their flavor.
• Q: Is it necessary to add sugar to the sauce?A: Sugar helps balance the tomatoes’ acidity, but it’s not necessary. Add it to taste or leave it out if you prefer.
• Q: Can this sauce be used for pasta?A: Definitely, this pasta combination works very well with this sauce. If I desire, I may add some more seasoning to not only enhance the flavor but also serve it as an unofficial taste test before its official debut at dinner.

Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Coconut oil or avocado oil can be used in place of olive oil for a very different flavor.
Garlic: If you do not have fresh garlic on hand, use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Tomato purée: Substitute with crushed tomatoes or canned whole tomatoes blended until smooth.
Dried oregano: If fresh oregano is accessible to you, use 2 teaspoons of that instead.
Sweetener alternatives to use in place of sugar: As a natural sweetener alternative, honey or agave syrup can be used.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance the Flavor Base Begin by infusing additional flavor into the olive oil before adding garlic. Consider adding a small piece of onion or shallot, finely chopped, and let it cook until translucent. This can deepen the overall flavor profile of your sauce.

2. Use Fresh Herbs for a Burst of Freshness If available, replace some of the dried herbs with fresh ones. Fresh basil added towards the end of cooking can provide a wonderful, aromatic boost. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried.

3. Wine for Depth Add a splash of red wine after sautéing the garlic but before adding the tomatoes. Let it reduce slightly. This can add depth and complexity to the sauce.

4. Tomato Paste for Richness For a richer flavor, consider adding one to two tablespoons of tomato paste. Let it cook with the garlic for a minute before adding the crushed tomatoes to caramelize the natural sugars, enhancing sweetness and umami.

5. Simmer for Enhanced Flavor While the recipe suggests simmering for 15-20 minutes, extending this simmer time up to 45 minutes or even an hour on a very low heat setting, if time allows, can further develop the flavors. Just ensure you stir occasionally and cover slightly if it reduces too much.