Are you ready to elevate your pizza nights? Forget jarred sauces; this homemade pizza sauce, inspired by celebrity chefs' love for fresh ingredients, is bursting with sweet tomato flavor. It's unbelievably easy, incredibly delicious, and the secret weapon to transforming your homemade pizzas from good to gourmet. This recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes, quick dinner ideas, and healthy meals without sacrificing flavor. Let's get started on this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (San Marzano are best, but any high-quality crushed tomatoes will work)
- 1 (15 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juices), sugar, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the saucepan. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Reduce and Thicken: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. This slow simmering is key for developing a deep and complex taste, making this a true homemade cooking experience.
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Blend (Optional): For a smoother sauce, carefully transfer the sauce to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, skip this step.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more sugar for extra sweetness, salt for savoriness, or red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
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Cool and Use: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely before using it on your pizza. This delicious sauce is also fantastic on pasta!
Tips for the Best Pizza Sauce:
- High-Quality Tomatoes: Using good quality canned tomatoes makes a significant difference in the final flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are known for their sweetness and low acidity.
- Don't Rush the Simmer: The longer you simmer the sauce, the more the flavors will meld together, resulting in a deeper, more complex taste.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasonings throughout the cooking process to achieve your desired flavor profile.
Variations:
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Herby: Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary during the last few minutes of simmering.
- Roasted: For an even deeper flavor, roast the garlic and onions before adding them to the sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 50-60 calories
- Fat: Approximately 2-3 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-12 grams
- Protein: Approximately 1-2 grams
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This recipe delivers big on flavor while keeping things simple. It's a great addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and delicious dishes. Enjoy!