Description
This homemade pizza sauce recipe delivers a rich and flavorful base perfect for your favorite pizzas. Made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness, it simmers to develop depth and can be blended for a smoother texture. It’s easy to prepare and can be stored refrigerated or frozen for future use.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add herbs and spices: Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 30 seconds to release their aromas.
- Cook tomato paste: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to deepen its flavor and enhance the sauce’s richness.
- Add crushed tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to fully combine all ingredients.
- Season the sauce: Add sugar, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow flavors to meld.
- Blend (optional): For a smoother consistency, blend the sauce using an immersion blender or transfer to a traditional blender and puree until desired texture is reached.
- Cool and store: Allow the sauce to cool before using it on your pizza or storing it.
- Storage guidelines: Keep the sauce refrigerated for up to 1 week or freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Notes
- You can omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder sauce.
- Adjust the sugar amount according to the acidity of your tomatoes.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried if preferred, but increase the quantity slightly as fresh herbs are less concentrated.
- This sauce can be used not only for pizza but also as a marinara or dipping sauce.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent burning at the bottom.