I never thought I’d be the kind of person who’d get emotional over tomatoes, but here we are. Picture this: a vibrant red sauce, simmering gently on the stove, filling the kitchen with an aroma that makes your heart skip a beat—okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but seriously, it’s good. It’s like the Netflix of pizza sauces; once you start, you can’t stop, and suddenly, it’s on everything.
Steps
- Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add one minced clove of garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it becomes soft and fragrant.
- Incorporate a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and a 6-ounce can of tomato paste into the pan. Add 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Cover the pot with a lid, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for a richer flavor.
- If you plan to store the sauce, let it cool completely before transferring it into quart-sized freezer bags or freezer-safe containers. To reheat, place the frozen sauce in a saucepan over low heat and stir frequently until thoroughly warmed.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 157.17kcal | Carbohydrates: 33.13g | Protein: 7.03g | Fat: 2.6g | Sodium: 1200.1mg | Fiber: 7.83g
FAQ
- Can I freeze homemade pizza sauce, and how should I do it?
- Yes, you can freeze the homemade pizza sauce. Allow it to cool completely in the refrigerator first, then transfer it to quart-sized freezer bags or other freezer-safe containers. Once frozen solid, you can reheat the sauce over low heat in a pot, stirring often until warmed through.
- What makes this pizza sauce recipe superior to store-bought options?
- This homemade pizza sauce allows you to control the richness, seasoning, and texture, making it bolder, thicker, and more balanced than many store-bought versions. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make and produces a large batch for multiple uses.
- How long can I store the pizza sauce, and what are the storage methods?
- You can store this pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended. While canning is a possibility, it hasn’t been tested with this specific recipe, so results can’t be guaranteed.
- What are some creative ways to use this pizza sauce besides on pizza?
- Besides using it on pizza, this sauce is excellent as a dipping sauce for pizzadillas or stromboli. It’s also great for making zucchini boats or as a topping for baked pizza chicken, adding a flavorful, saucy layer to your dishes.
- What should I do if I want a chunkier texture in my pizza sauce?
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can add diced tomatoes along with the crushed tomatoes. This will give the sauce a thicker consistency with more texture, perfect for those who enjoy a heartier sauce.
Tips
- Sauté Garlic Properly: When cooking the garlic in olive oil, ensure you sauté it just until it’s soft and fragrant, which should take about 1-2 minutes. This prevents the garlic from becoming bitter.
- Control the Simmering Time: Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 15 minutes, but extending it up to 30 minutes can enhance the depth of flavor, especially if you’re preparing other dishes simultaneously.
- Efficient Freezing: Cool the sauce completely before freezing it in quart-sized bags or containers. This helps maintain its quality and ensures easy reheating.
- Creative Uses: Besides pizza, this sauce works great as a dip for pizzadillas, stromboli, or even as a base for dishes like baked pizza chicken, offering versatility in your meal planning.
Equipment
- Stainless Steel Sauce Pot – A good quality sauce pot is essential for cooking the sauce evenly.
- Garlic Press – For easily mincing garlic.
- Pepper Mill – If you want freshly cracked black pepper.
- Freezer-Safe Resealable Containers or Freezer Bags – For storing extra sauce in the freezer.
