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Homemade Pizza Sauce

Homemade Pizza Sauce

This Homemade Pizza Sauce recipe delivers a fresh, flavorful base for pizzeria-quality pizzas made right in your own kitchen. Featuring ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and simple steps, it offers a thick, smooth texture that enhances any pizza, dip, or pasta dish. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, this sauce is perfect for cooks of all levels seeking a vibrant, natural tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (or equivalent fresh ripe tomatoes, peeled and crushed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Gather all ingredients. Mince the garlic finely and measure out the dried herbs. If using fresh herbs, chop them finely to release their aroma.
  2. Sauté the garlic: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
  3. Combine the tomatoes and herbs: Add crushed tomatoes to the pan followed by oregano, basil, salt, sugar, and black pepper. Stir to evenly blend flavors.
  4. Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This thickens the sauce and melds the flavors beautifully.
  5. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt, sugar, or herbs if necessary. Add red pepper flakes now if you prefer a hint of heat.

Notes

  • Use quality tomatoes, preferably San Marzano or other premium canned tomatoes for best flavor.
  • Simmer slowly and uncovered to let excess water evaporate, resulting in a thicker sauce.
  • Taste as you go to adjust seasoning gradually.
  • Blend after cooking for a smoother sauce if desired.
  • Make the sauce a day ahead to deepen the flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on low heat, stirring occasionally; avoid boiling to preserve fresh flavor.

Nutrition

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