Craving a pizza night that transports you straight to the sun-drenched streets of Naples? Forget jarred sauces – this authentic Napoli pizza sauce recipe is your ticket to homemade pizza perfection. Simple, flavorful, and surprisingly quick to make, this recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and experienced pizzaioli alike. Get ready to elevate your pizza game!
Ingredients: A Symphony of Simple Flavors
This recipe uses minimal ingredients, allowing the natural flavors to shine. You'll need:
- 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes (San Marzano tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions: Crafting Your Culinary Masterpiece
Let's embark on this culinary journey together. Follow these easy steps and soon you'll be enjoying the fruits of your labor!
-
Sauté the Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste.
-
Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the saucepan. Stir well to combine. Season generously with salt and pepper.
-
Slow Cook to Perfection: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful the sauce becomes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
Blend (Optional): For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the sauce after it has simmered. We prefer a slightly chunky sauce, but the choice is yours!
-
Taste and Adjust: Before using, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or herbs to achieve your preferred flavor profile.
Tips and Tricks from the Pizzaiolo:
- San Marzano Tomatoes: Using San Marzano tomatoes is highly recommended. Their lower acidity and naturally sweet flavor are quintessential to authentic Neapolitan pizza sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh oregano and basil on hand, use them! Just remember to use about half the amount as the dried herbs.
- Don't Rush the Simmer: The simmering process is crucial for developing the depth of flavor. Patience truly is a virtue here!
- Make it Ahead: This sauce tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations: Putting Your Spin on Tradition
- Spicy Napoli: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Herby Delight: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.
- Garlic Lover's Edition: Add an extra clove or two of garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Fat: 7-9g
- Saturated Fat: 1-2g
- Sodium: Variable, depending on salt added.
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Protein: 2-3g
This delicious and authentic Napoli pizza sauce is the perfect complement to your homemade pizza creations. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade cooking and the rewarding taste of a truly authentic Italian experience!