Craving that signature Round Table Pizza taste? Forget the takeout – let's unlock the secret to making incredibly delicious pizza sauce at home! This recipe delivers that rich, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced flavor profile you adore, all without complicated ingredients or techniques. It’s a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals for quick dinner ideas. Get ready for homemade happiness in every slice!
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe is designed for a generous amount of pizza sauce, perfect for multiple pizzas or freezing portions for future use. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your needs.
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon 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
Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Culinary Journey
Get started: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. This step is key for building a deeper flavor base in your sauce.
Infuse with flavor: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This is where the magic begins!
The tomato tango: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer to perfection: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. This slow cooking is a hallmark of delicious homemade cooking.
Taste and adjust: After 30 minutes, taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more sugar for sweetness, salt for savoriness, or red pepper flakes for heat. This step is crucial for personalizing your delicious dishes.
Ready to roll: Once your sauce is perfectly seasoned, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before using it on your favorite pizza dough.
Cooking Tips for Pizza Perfection:
- Fresh herbs are best: If you have fresh oregano and basil on hand, use about 1 tablespoon of each, chopped finely. Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile significantly.
- Don't rush the simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, or even longer, develops a richer, more complex flavor.
- Blend for smoothness: For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully puree the sauce after 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, or freeze it for longer storage.
Variations: Explore Your Culinary Creativity
- Spicy pizza sauce: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Herby pizza sauce: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or rosemary for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
- Sweet and savory pizza sauce: Add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar for a subtle tangy sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 80-100
- Fat: 3-5g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This recipe is a fantastic addition to your list of best recipes, offering delicious results with simple ingredients and techniques. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with every homemade pizza!