Description
Crafting a delectable homemade pizza sauce brings Italian culinary magic to kitchen counters. Robust tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and simple seasonings combine into a quick, flavorful base perfect for creating restaurant-quality pizzas you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 tsp (5 g) dried oregano
- 1 tsp (5 g) dried basil
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) salt
- 1/4 tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
Optional Enhancers:
- 1 tsp (5 ml) tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) sugar
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, creating a gentle cooking environment.
- Mince garlic finely and add to the heated oil, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour crushed tomatoes into the pan, stirring to combine with the garlic-infused oil.
- Incorporate dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- If using, add tomato paste to intensify the sauce’s depth and richness, stirring until fully integrated.
- Sprinkle sugar to balance the tomatoes’ natural acidity and round out the flavor profile.
- For a subtle heat, include red pepper flakes, adjusting quantity to personal spice preference.
- Simmer the sauce uncovered on low heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, ensuring a harmonious blend of herbs and spices.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using as a pizza sauce or storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- Always use ripe, high-quality crushed tomatoes for the most vibrant and fresh sauce flavor.
- Fresh herbs can replace dried ones for a more intense, bright taste if available in your kitchen.
- Control sauce thickness by simmering longer for a denser consistency or adding a splash of water for a lighter texture.
- Make a large batch and freeze portions in small containers for quick future pizza nights or pasta dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg