Pizza Sauce Recipe from Fresh Tomatoes
Pizza sauce is a key ingredient that can transform a simple homemade pizza into a delicious masterpiece. This easy recipe uses fresh tomatoes to create a rich and flavorful sauce. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or just want to enjoy a homemade pie, this sauce is sure to please everyone.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own pizza sauce from fresh tomatoes is not only easy, but it also allows you to control the flavors and ingredients. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste and avoid preservatives often found in store-bought sauces. Plus, nothing beats the taste of fresh tomatoes!
How to Make Pizza Sauce
Creating your pizza sauce is simple and fun. By following these steps, you’ll have a tasty sauce ready in no time.
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 (fine 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 fine chopped fresh basil)
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed black pepper
Directions:
- Prepare the tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, wash them well, and then chop them into small pieces. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend them into a puree.
- Cook the sauce: In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not burnt, about 1 minute.
- Add tomatoes: Pour in the chopped tomatoes (or puree) and stir well. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Season the sauce: Add salt, sugar, red chili flakes, oregano, dried basil, and black pepper. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Finish: Cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
How to Serve Pizza Sauce
Once your pizza sauce is ready, spread it evenly over your pizza dough before adding your favorite toppings. You can also use this sauce as a dip for breadsticks or a base for pasta dishes.
How to Store Pizza Sauce
Store any leftover pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in portions to use later.
Tips to Make Pizza Sauce
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to match your taste preferences.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine while simmering.
- Always taste your sauce before completing it, so you can adjust the seasonings as needed.
Variation
You can easily customize this pizza sauce by adding other ingredients like chopped onions, bell peppers, or even olives for an added kick. If you like a more exotic flavor, try adding a dash of balsamic vinegar or smoked paprika.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use canned tomatoes or tomato puree. Just adjust the seasoning and cooking time as needed.
Q: Is it necessary to cook the sauce?
A: Cooking helps to deepen the flavors and thicken the sauce, but you can use raw tomato puree if you prefer a fresher taste.
Q: How can I make the sauce spicier?
A: Simply increase the amount of red chili flakes to your liking, or you can add some diced jalapeños for extra heat!
Pizza Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 grams 500 grams ripe tomatoes or 2 cups fresh tomato puree
- ½ teaspoon ½ to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes adjust to taste
- ¾ tablespoon ¾ tablespoon garlic fine chopped or minced
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅓ teaspoon ⅓ to ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon sugar to balance the flavors
- ½ teaspoon ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ½ to ¾ teaspoon dried basil or 2 tablespoons fine chopped fresh basil
- ¼ teaspoon ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- If using fresh tomatoes, wash them well, and then chop them into small pieces. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend them into a puree.
Cooking
- In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not burnt, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes (or puree) and stir well. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Add salt, sugar, red chili flakes, oregano, dried basil, and black pepper. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
