Pizza Sauce Recipe from Fresh Tomatoes
Making your own pizza sauce brings a burst of fresh flavor to your pizzas. Using ripe tomatoes, you can create a delicious sauce that enhances every bite. This Pizza Sauce Recipe from Fresh Tomatoes is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you make your own pizza sauce? First, it’s fresher and tastier than store-bought sauces. You get to control the flavors and adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding cooking experience! Homemade pizza sauce also allows you to avoid preservatives and additives often found in commercial products.
How to Make Pizza Sauce
Making pizza sauce from fresh tomatoes is straightforward. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 500 grams (1.1 pounds) ripe tomatoes or 2 cups fresh tomato puree
- ½ to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¾ tablespoon garlic (finely chopped or minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅓ to ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the flavors)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ to ¾ teaspoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil)
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed black pepper
Directions
- If you are using fresh tomatoes, wash them and cut them into quarters.
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned.
- Add the chopped tomatoes (or tomato puree) to the saucepan.
- Stir in the red chili flakes, salt, sugar, oregano, basil, and black pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until it thickens and the flavors blend together.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Once ready, remove from heat and let the sauce cool before using it on your pizza.
How to Serve Pizza Sauce
You can spread this sauce generously on your pizza dough before adding your favorite toppings. It pairs perfectly with mozzarella cheese, fresh veggies, or any other ingredients you love on your pizza. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or pizza crust.
How to Store Pizza Sauce
If you have leftover sauce, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, pour the sauce into freezer bags or containers and freeze it. It can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.
Tips to Make Pizza Sauce
- Choose Ripe Tomatoes: The riper the tomatoes, the better the sauce. Look for firm, red tomatoes that smell sweet.
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to tweak the spices based on your taste preferences. Add more chili flakes for heat or extra herbs for more flavor.
- Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or regular blender after cooking.
Variation
You can add additional ingredients like onions, bell peppers, or even olives to the sauce for extra flavor. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes or tomato puree if fresh tomatoes are not available. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
2. Is this sauce suitable for other dishes?
Absolutely! This sauce works great for pasta dishes, as a dip, or on other Italian recipes.
3. How can I make it sweeter?
If you find the sauce too acidic, you can add a bit more sugar to balance the flavors.
Enjoy your homemade pizza sauce and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills! Happy cooking!
Homemade Pizza Sauce
Ingredients
Fresh Tomatoes
- 500 grams 500 grams ripe tomatoes or 2 cups fresh tomato puree Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
Seasonings and Oils
- ½ to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes Adjust to taste.
- ¾ tablespoon garlic, finely chopped or minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅓ to ½ teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon sugar To balance the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ to ¾ teaspoon dried basil Or 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil.
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- If using fresh tomatoes, wash them and cut them into quarters.
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned.
Cooking
- Add the chopped tomatoes (or tomato puree) to the saucepan.
- Stir in the red chili flakes, salt, sugar, oregano, basil, and black pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and flavors meld.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Once ready, remove from heat and let the sauce cool before using it.
