Tired of the same old pizza sauce? Craving a vibrant, zesty twist on your favorite comfort food? Then look no further! This homemade Mexican pizza sauce recipe is about to become your new go-to for quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes. It's incredibly easy to make, bursting with authentic Mexican flavors, and perfect for elevating your pizza night to a whole new level. This recipe is a great example of healthy meals that don't compromise on taste. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of amazing flavor in your homemade pizza sauce.
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Simmer the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), and sugar to the saucepan. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
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Season and refine: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more chili powder for a bolder flavor or a pinch more sugar to balance the acidity. Remember, this is your sauce, so personalize it!
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Slow cook for deeper flavor: Cover the saucepan and simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer and more complex the flavor will become. This slow cooking process is key to achieving a truly delicious and flavorful sauce.
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Blend (optional): For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to partially or completely blend the sauce after simmering. Leaving some texture is also delicious; it's a matter of personal preference.
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Cool and use: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly before using. This Mexican pizza sauce is amazing on homemade pizza crusts, but it's also delicious as a topping for tacos, burritos, or even as a dipping sauce for tortilla chips!
Cooking Tips for the Best Mexican Pizza Sauce:
- Fresh is best: If you have fresh tomatoes, feel free to use them instead of canned. Just make sure to chop them finely.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder sauce, omit them altogether.
- Roast the veggies: For an even deeper, smokier flavor, roast the onion and garlic before adding them to the sauce.
- Add some acidity: A splash of lime juice or white vinegar at the end can brighten up the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- 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.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. A general estimate per 1/2 cup serving is approximately:
- Calories: 50-60
- Protein: 2-3g
- Fat: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Fiber: 2-3g
Variations:
- Smoky Chipotle: Add 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
- Creamy Mexican Pizza Sauce: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
- Vegetarian Mexican Pizza Sauce: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but you can enhance the veggie flavor by adding a diced bell pepper or some finely chopped mushrooms during the sautéing step.
This easy Mexican pizza sauce recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any occasion when you want to impress your guests with a flavorful and easy homemade dish. Enjoy!