Easy Pizza Sauce
When it comes to crafting the perfect pizza, the foundation is key. While a delicious crust and fresh toppings are essential, the sauce is the heart and soul of your pie. This Easy Pizza Sauce recipe is a game-changer, allowing you to create a rich, flavorful sauce in no time. With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll have a homemade sauce that rivals your favorite pizzeria. Let’s dive into the details!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Easy Pizza Sauce is not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile. Here’s what you’ll love about it:
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
- Made with fresh ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
- Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Perfect for pizza, pasta, and even as a dipping sauce.
- Freezes well for those busy nights when you crave pizza but lack the time.
What Goes In
To make this Easy Pizza Sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pinch of fennel seed
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
These ingredients come together to create a sauce that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any pizza lover.
Prep & Cook Tools
Before you start cooking, gather the following tools:
- Large saucepan: For simmering the sauce.
- Wooden spoon: To mix your ingredients thoroughly.
- Garlic press or knife: For mincing the garlic.
- Measuring spoons: To ensure the correct amounts of each ingredient.
- Can opener: To open the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste.
With these tools on hand, you’ll be ready to whip up your Easy Pizza Sauce in no time.
Easy Pizza Sauce: From Prep to Plate
Follow these simple steps to create your Easy Pizza Sauce:
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 2: Add Fennel Seed
Add a pinch of fennel seed to the pan, stirring briefly to combine with the garlic. This step adds a unique flavor that enhances the overall taste of your sauce.
Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes
Pour in 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes and 6 ounces of tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, creating a rich base for your sauce.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper. Stir to incorporate the spices evenly throughout the sauce.
Step 5: Simmer Away
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
After simmering, taste your sauce. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper. For a sweeter sauce, a sprinkle of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Step 7: Serve or Store
Once your sauce is ready, it’s perfect for spreading on your pizza dough. If you have leftovers, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.
In-Season Swaps
If you’re looking to switch things up based on what’s in season, consider these swaps:
- Fresh tomatoes: Use fresh tomatoes in place of canned for a fresher taste (approximately 2 pounds, peeled and crushed).
- Fresh herbs: Substitute fresh basil and oregano for the dried versions (use three times the amount).
- Shallots: Swap out garlic for minced shallots for a sweeter, milder flavor.
These substitutions can help you create a unique version of your Easy Pizza Sauce that’s inspired by the season’s bounty.
Mistakes That Ruin Easy Pizza Sauce
Creating a perfect Easy Pizza Sauce can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to avoid:
- Burning the garlic: It’s crucial to sauté the garlic until fragrant but not browned. Burnt garlic can ruin the sauce’s flavor.
- Over-seasoning: Start with less salt and spice, and adjust to taste. It’s easier to add than to take away.
- Skipping the simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer develops complex flavors. Don’t rush this step!
- Using poor-quality tomatoes: The quality of your tomatoes significantly affects the sauce’s taste. Choose good-quality crushed tomatoes for the best results.
By being mindful of these mistakes, you can ensure your Easy Pizza Sauce turns out delicious every time.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
Planning ahead can make your pizza night a breeze. Here are some tips for making your Easy Pizza Sauce ahead of time:
Prepare the sauce in advance and let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months. If freezing, consider portioning the sauce into ice cube trays for easy thawing. This way, you can easily pull out just what you need for any pizza night!
Common Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
Absolutely! You can use about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Just peel and crush them before adding them to the sauce. Fresh tomatoes provide a wonderful flavor.
How can I make my pizza sauce sweeter?
If you find your sauce a bit too acidic, you can add a teaspoon of sugar or honey to balance the flavors. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Is it possible to make this sauce spicy?
Yes! Simply increase the amount of crushed red pepper to your desired level of heat. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Can I can this pizza sauce for later use?
Canning homemade pizza sauce is possible! Just ensure you follow safe canning practices, including using proper acidity levels. This will allow you to enjoy your sauce year-round.
The Last Word
Creating your own Easy Pizza Sauce is an excellent way to elevate your homemade pizza game. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, you can whip up a sauce that not only enhances the flavor of your pizza but also gives you a sense of accomplishment. Whether you’re making a classic Margherita or a loaded supreme, this sauce will be your go-to recipe for all your pizza nights.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! You’ll never want to reach for store-bought sauce again once you taste the difference of homemade. Enjoy every bite of your delicious creations, and remember that the heart of a great pizza lies in a great sauce. Happy pizza making!
Easy Pizza Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Add a pinch of fennel seed to the pan, stirring briefly to combine with the garlic. This step adds a unique flavor that enhances the overall taste of your sauce.
- Pour in 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes and 6 ounces of tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, creating a rich base for your sauce.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper. Stir to incorporate the spices evenly throughout the sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After simmering, taste your sauce. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper. For a sweeter sauce, a sprinkle of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Once your sauce is ready, it’s perfect for spreading on your pizza dough. If you have leftovers, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.
Notes
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge.
- Freeze sauce in ice cube trays for convenient portioning.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs and spices!
