Tired of bland, store-bought pizza sauce? Craving a truly delicious and vibrant pizza experience? Then look no further! This homemade vegetarian pizza sauce recipe is incredibly easy, bursting with fresh flavor, and perfect for elevating your pizza night to new heights. Forget the artificial ingredients and long ingredient lists; this recipe focuses on simple, fresh ingredients to create a sauce that's both healthy and incredibly tasty. It's the perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
Get started: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. This step adds depth of flavor to your delicious dishes.
Infuse with Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make the sauce bitter.
Build the Flavor: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together, creating a truly exceptional homemade pizza sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and Adjust: Once the sauce has simmered, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, herbs, or sugar to suit your preference. This is a great opportunity to tailor the recipe to your taste, whether you enjoy bolder flavors or something more subtle.
Tips for the Best Vegetarian Pizza Sauce:
- Use good quality canned tomatoes: The quality of your tomatoes will significantly impact the flavor of your sauce. Look for San Marzano tomatoes for the best results.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with herbs: Feel free to add other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to customize the flavor profile. This is a fantastic way to explore your creativity in the kitchen!
- 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. This is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a quick dinner idea.
Variations:
- Roasted Red Pepper Pizza Sauce: Roast a red bell pepper until softened, then add it to the sauce during the simmering stage for a smoky sweetness.
- 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 handful of fresh herbs, like basil, oregano, and parsley, during the last few minutes of simmering.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 50-60 calories
- Fat: Approximately 2-3 grams
- Protein: Approximately 1-2 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-12 grams
This homemade vegetarian pizza sauce is a game-changer. It's quick, easy, and so much tastier than anything you can buy in a store. It's the perfect ingredient for creating truly delicious pizzas from scratch, showcasing the best recipes and making homemade cooking accessible to everyone. Enjoy!