Tired of bland, store-bought pizza sauce? Craving that authentic, homemade taste without spending hours in the kitchen? Then you've come to the right place! This simple tomato paste pizza sauce recipe is your ticket to delicious, restaurant-quality pizza at home. It's incredibly easy, uses readily available ingredients, and is packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend pizza party, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic (or garlic powder) and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make the sauce bitter.
-
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste, water, oregano, basil, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar (if using). Mix well to ensure everything is thoroughly combined.
-
Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. Aim for 30 minutes for the best results.
-
Season and Taste: After simmering, remove the sauce from the heat. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more oregano, basil, garlic, or red pepper flakes depending on your preferences.
-
Cool and Use: Let the sauce cool slightly before using it on your favorite pizza crust.
Tips for the Best Pizza Sauce:
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh oregano and basil on hand, use about 1 tablespoon of each, chopped finely. Fresh herbs will add a more vibrant flavor.
- Slow Simmer: A low and slow simmer is key to developing deep, rich flavors. Don't rush this step!
- Adjust to Your Taste: This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Some people prefer a sweeter sauce, while others prefer it more savory or spicy.
- Make it Ahead: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- 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 thyme for an additional layer of flavor.
- Roasted Garlic Pizza Sauce: Roast a whole head of garlic before mincing it for an intensely flavorful sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 40-50
- Fat: 2-3 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 8-10 grams
This easy tomato paste pizza sauce recipe is a perfect example of how simple, homemade cooking can result in delicious and satisfying meals. Enjoy creating your own pizza masterpieces! Share your pizza creations with us – we'd love to see them! Remember to check out more healthy meals and easy recipes on our blog for more culinary inspiration. Happy cooking!