Are you ready to elevate your homemade pizza game? Forget jarred sauces – let's create a vibrant, flavourful pizza sauce from scratch using the king of tomatoes, San Marzano! This recipe is surprisingly easy, perfect for beginners, and yields a sauce that's bursting with authentic Italian taste. It's a delicious addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, transforming your weeknight meal into a homemade culinary experience. Get ready to discover the secret to the best pizza sauce you’ll ever taste!
Ingredients:
This simple recipe relies on quality ingredients for maximum flavor. You'll need:
- 28 ounces (794g) San Marzano tomatoes, canned, peeled and whole
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions:
Let's get cooking! Follow these easy steps for a truly delicious pizza sauce:
- Prep the Tomatoes: Open the can of San Marzano tomatoes and roughly chop them. You don’t need to be meticulous; a coarse chop is perfect.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the chopped San Marzano tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar (if using) to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth of taste you won't find in store-bought sauces.
- Blend (Optional): For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce directly in the pan. Alternatively, carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunky sauce, skip this step.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or sugar depending on your preference and the acidity of the tomatoes.
Cooking Tips for Pizza Sauce Perfection:
- Use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes: These tomatoes are known for their sweetness and low acidity, which are essential for a delicious pizza sauce.
- Don't rush the simmering process: The longer the sauce simmers, the more intense the flavor will become.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning frequently: Every batch of tomatoes is slightly different, so adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Store properly: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the sauce for longer storage.
Variations:
- Herby Delight: Add a handful of fresh basil leaves during the last 5 minutes of simmering for an extra burst of freshness.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier sauce.
- Roasted Garlic: Roast a whole head of garlic before mincing it for an even deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size but a general estimate per 1/2 cup serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 40-50
- Fat: 2-3g
- Protein: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 8-10g
- Fiber: 1-2g
This easy-to-follow recipe delivers healthy meals without sacrificing deliciousness. It's a great addition to your collection of homemade cooking ideas, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy the amazing flavor and aroma this homemade pizza sauce brings to your next pizza night!