Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
A Flavorful, Freshly Made Pizza Sauce for Your Homemade Pizzas
When it comes to making the perfect pizza, the sauce is key. Homemade pizza sauce offers a rich, robust flavor that store-bought versions just can’t replicate. This recipe combines fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil, resulting in a pizza sauce that is both savory and satisfying. Whether youโre preparing a classic Margherita pizza or experimenting with your favorite toppings, this sauce will elevate your creation to a whole new level.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 1 kg |
| Onions | 80 grams |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 60 grams |
| Celery | 60 grams |
| Garlic cloves | 3 cloves |
| Homemade tomato puree | 4 tablespoons |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh basil leaves | 10 leaves |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper powder | To taste |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 35 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 20 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 600 grams (approximately 1 cup)
Course
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Course: Dinner, Topping
Instructions
-
Sautรฉ the Vegetables:
Start by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just enough to release its aroma. Next, add the finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery, one at a time, giving each ingredient a minute or so before adding the next. Sautรฉ the vegetables together, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and soft. -
-
Cook the Tomatoes:
Once the onions are ready, add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to break down. During this time, cover the pan with a lid to prevent splattering, as tomatoes tend to release juices that can cause a mess. Keep the heat on medium-low, allowing the tomatoes to cook slowly and evenly. -
Add Tomato Puree and Seasonings:
Stir in the homemade tomato puree, which will add a rich color to the sauce. After that, sprinkle in a pinch of sugar to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes. Continue cooking the sauce until the tomatoes start to lose their skins and soften completely. This should take about 15-20 minutes. -
Add Fresh Basil:
Once the tomatoes are soft and the skin begins to peel off, turn off the heat. Add the fresh basil leaves, including the stalks, into the sauce and let them steep in the warm mixture for a few minutes. The basil will infuse the sauce with its aromatic flavor. -
Blend and Season:
After the sauce has cooled slightly, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. Season the sauce with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper according to your taste. If you like a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce it further. -
Store and Serve:
Once the sauce is ready, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. This homemade pizza sauce will stay fresh for up to a week, allowing you to use it for several pizzas or other Italian dishes. If you wish to freeze it, let the sauce cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers.
Tips for the Perfect Pizza Sauce
- Tomato Quality: Use the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find for the best flavor. If youโre using canned tomatoes, go for San Marzano or other high-quality varieties for an authentic taste.
- Blending: If you prefer a chunkier sauce, blend the mixture less, leaving some small bits of tomato and vegetables for texture.
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a touch of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
- On Pizza: Of course, the best use for this sauce is on your homemade pizza. Spread it generously on your pizza dough and top with your favorite ingredients. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- As a Dip: This pizza sauce also works wonderfully as a dip for breadsticks, mozzarella sticks, or even veggies.
- Pasta Topping: Use it as a flavorful topping for pasta dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti for a true Italian experience.
Enjoy the fresh, homemade taste of this pizza sauce on your next pizza night!
Conclusion
This homemade pizza sauce is a great way to bring authentic Italian flavors to your home cooking. By using fresh ingredients and simple techniques, you can create a sauce thatโs full of natural goodness and depth of flavor. Whether youโre hosting a pizza party, making dinner for your family, or just treating yourself to a delicious homemade meal, this sauce is sure to impress!
