Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
Description:
Homemade Pizza Sauce made from scratch is an authentic Italian delight, and with just a 40-minute commitment, you can bring the freshness of home-cooked goodness straight to your pizza. There’s something truly special about the flavor of homemade pizza sauce—it not only enhances the taste of your pizza but also gives it that restaurant-style richness you’ll love.
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 1 kg |
| Onions | 80 grams |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 60 grams |
| Celery | 60 grams |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Homemade tomato puree | 4 tablespoons |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Basil leaves | 10 leaves |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper powder | To taste |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic (crushed) first, followed by the finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Allow a minute in between each addition to let the flavors meld together. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
Sauté the mixture of garlic, onions, carrots, and celery until the onions become translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The softened vegetables form the aromatic base of your pizza sauce. -
Add Tomatoes:
Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Stir occasionally and let the tomatoes cook down until they begin to soften and break apart. You’ll notice the skin starting to peel off as they cook, which is a sign they are ready. -
Incorporate Tomato Puree:
To enrich the flavor and color of the sauce, add the homemade tomato puree. This addition helps thicken the sauce while adding depth to the flavor profile. Stir well. -
Balance the Flavors:
Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally. Cover the pan partially if the tomatoes are spluttering too much. -
Add Basil:
Once the tomatoes are soft and fully cooked, turn off the heat. Toss in the fresh basil leaves (and their stalks for an extra burst of flavor). Let everything cool down for a few minutes. -
Blend the Sauce:
Transfer the cooked mixture to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. You can adjust the texture by pulsing it if you prefer a chunkier sauce. -
Season:
After blending, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. Add dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to your liking. You can also add a little more sugar if needed. -
Storage:
Once the sauce has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week, ready to be spread on your favorite pizza dough!
Tips for the Best Pizza Sauce:
- Homemade Tomato Puree: Using your own homemade tomato puree is highly recommended as it adds an extra layer of flavor to your sauce. However, if you’re short on time, store-bought puree can also work well.
- Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves are crucial to the sauce’s authenticity, offering that classic Italian flavor.
- Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to customize the sauce by adding chili flakes for a spicy kick or a dash of balsamic vinegar for a deeper tang.
- Freezing: If you make a large batch, this sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply store in freezer-safe containers or bags for easy use later!
This Homemade Pizza Sauce is the perfect base for any pizza, from a classic Margherita to your favorite veggie or meat toppings. It’s fresh, flavorful, and the ideal complement to your homemade pizza dough. Enjoy!
