Craving that classic Pizza Hut pizza taste but don't want to order takeout? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe will guide you through making a delicious, homemade pizza sauce that captures the essence of that iconic restaurant flavor. Get ready to elevate your homemade pizzas to a whole new level with this easy, quick, and healthy recipe. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend family activity.
Ingredients: A Simple Blend for Big Flavor
This recipe uses readily available ingredients to create a rich and flavorful sauce. You likely already have most of them in your pantry!
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions: Homemade Happiness in a Pot
Making this pizza sauce is incredibly simple, even for beginner cooks. Let's get started!
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Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make the sauce bitter.
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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.
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Reduce and Thicken: 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, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes.
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Taste and Adjust: After 30 minutes (or longer), taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more sugar for sweetness, salt for saltiness, or red pepper flakes for heat.
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Cool and Use: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely before using it on your pizzas. The flavors will meld beautifully as it cools.
Tips for Pizza Perfection
- Fresh Herbs: For an even more vibrant flavor, substitute fresh oregano and basil for the dried varieties. Use about 1 tablespoon of each, chopped finely.
- Blending: For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce after simmering.
- Storage: Store leftover pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes well for future use.
Variations: Customize Your Culinary Creation
- Spicy Pizza Sauce: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Herby Pizza Sauce: Experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
- Roasted Garlic Pizza Sauce: Roast the garlic cloves before mincing them for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. However, a typical serving will contain approximately:
- Calories: 60-80
- Fat: 4-5g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
This delicious homemade pizza sauce is a fantastic way to elevate your pizza nights. Enjoy creating this easy and delicious food recipe – a true addition to your collection of best recipes and healthy meals. This recipe also makes a great quick dinner idea for those busy weeknights. Enjoy your homemade pizza!