Are you ready to take your pizza game to the next level? Forget flimsy, floppy crusts and bland, watery sauces. We're diving headfirst into the bold, rich world of Detroit-style pizza, and the key to unlocking its magic lies in the sauce. This recipe delivers that signature tangy, slightly sweet, and deeply flavorful sauce that makes Detroit pizza so iconic. Get ready to experience the deliciousness of homemade cooking at its finest – this easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, and the results are simply divine!
Ingredients:
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (San Marzano are best, but any good quality will work)
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended): For an even deeper flavor, start by sautéing 1 small minced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil until softened. This step adds layers of complexity to your sauce. Set aside.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, remaining olive oil, sugar, red wine vinegar, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). If you sautéed onions and garlic, add them now.
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Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pan, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer, deeper flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Blend (Optional): For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the sauce to your desired consistency. Leaving some texture adds a nice rustic charm.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or salt and pepper to balance the flavors. This is the fun part – personalize it to your liking!
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Cool and Use: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before using it on your Detroit-style pizza. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Tips for the Best Detroit Pizza Sauce:
- Use Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the sauce will taste. San Marzano tomatoes are highly recommended for their sweetness and low acidity.
- Don't Rush the Simmer: The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors develop. Patience truly pays off here.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process to achieve your perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
Variations:
- Spicy Detroit Sauce: Add a pinch or two more of red pepper flakes, or even a diced jalapeño pepper for extra heat.
- Herby Detroit Sauce: Add a teaspoon of fresh thyme or rosemary for a different aromatic profile.
- Roasted Garlic Detroit Sauce: Roast a head of garlic before adding it to the sauce for a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. A general estimate for one serving of this sauce is approximately:
- Calories: 80-100
- Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Protein: 2-3g
This delicious Detroit pizza sauce is a game-changer. It's incredibly versatile, transforming your pizza nights into memorable culinary experiences. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of creating something truly special – a taste of Motor City in your own kitchen!