Are you tired of bland, store-bought pizza sauce? Do you dream of that perfect, vibrant, tangy sauce that elevates your homemade pizzas to restaurant quality? Then get ready to roll up your sleeves because today, we're making Mountain Mike's-inspired pizza sauce from scratch! This recipe is surprisingly easy, delivers incredible flavor, and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend pizza party. It’s one of those delicious dishes that will become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire.
Ingredients: A Flavor Fiesta
This recipe makes enough sauce for two 12-inch pizzas. Feel free to double or halve it depending on your needs.
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (San Marzano are best, but any good quality crushed tomatoes work)
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions: Crafting Pizza Perfection
This easy recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. Let’s get started!
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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 cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is key for building a deep, rich flavor in your sauce.
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Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
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Slow Cook for Flavor: Cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This is a great time to prep your pizza dough or other toppings!
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Blend (Optional): For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the sauce once it's finished simmering. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, skip this step.
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Taste and Adjust: Before using, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, sugar, or herbs to achieve your desired flavor profile.
Tips and Variations for Pizza Perfection
- For a richer flavor: Use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes.
- Add some sweetness: A pinch of brown sugar can enhance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Herby goodness: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an additional layer of flavor. Add them during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- 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 information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 100
- Fat: Approximately 4g
- Protein: Approximately 2g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 18g
- Fiber: Approximately 2g
This Mountain Mike's-inspired pizza sauce recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s the perfect way to elevate your homemade pizzas and enjoy delicious dishes that are quick and easy to prepare. Enjoy!