When it comes to making homemade pizza, the secret to a delicious pie often lies in the sauce. Store-bought pizza sauces can be convenient, but there's something truly special about crafting your own sauce from scratch. In this blog post, we're going to share with you the best homemade pizza sauce recipe that will take your pizza night to a whole new level of flavor.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 can (28 ounces) of whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper (adjust to taste)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste (optional, for a thicker sauce)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Tomatoes: Start by draining the liquid from the canned tomatoes and reserving it for later use. Then, crush the tomatoes by hand or with a potato masher to break them down into small pieces.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become soft and translucent, usually around 3-4 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for your sauce.
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Add the Tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes to the saucepan, stirring them into the onion and garlic mixture. Allow this to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, letting the tomatoes cook down and release their flavors.
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Season and Simmer: Stir in the sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you desire a bit of heat. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the tomato paste and stir well.
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Adjust the Seasoning: Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it's too tangy, add a bit more sugar. If it needs more depth, sprinkle in a bit more salt and herbs. Remember, the best pizza sauce is the one that suits your personal taste.
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Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. This step is entirely optional, as some people love the rustic texture of chunky tomato bits in their sauce.
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Cool and Store: Allow the sauce to cool completely before using it on your pizza. You can store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage.
Now that you have crafted the perfect homemade pizza sauce, it's time to assemble your pizza! Spread a generous amount of your sauce on your pizza dough, add your favorite toppings, and bake to perfection. You'll find that the effort you put into making your own sauce pays off in the form of a flavorful and mouthwatering homemade pizza.
The best homemade pizza sauce is the one that you make with love and fresh ingredients. With this recipe in your repertoire, you'll have the power to transform your pizza nights into unforgettable culinary experiences. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and get ready to elevate your pizza game with this delicious homemade pizza sauce. Your taste buds will thank you!