Homemade Pizza Sauce

Elevate your homemade pizzas with this rich and flavorful pizza sauce. Made from fire-roasted tomatoes and a blend of spices, this sauce is quick to prepare and perfect for any pizza night.

Ingredients:

• 28 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp white granulated sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 ½ tsp salt (more or less to taste)

Directions:

Prepare Tomatoes:

1. Strain off most of the liquid from the canned diced tomatoes.

Blend Ingredients:

2. Combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, garlic, oregano, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a food processor or blender. Pulse until completely blended.

Use or Store:

3. Use the pizza sauce immediately for your pizza, or store it as needed.

Storing:

• Store pizza sauce in the refrigerator in a glass jar with an airtight lid. It can last up to 2 weeks. Use a clean spoon each time you scoop out some sauce.

Freezing:

• Portion the blended pizza sauce into zip-top freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible, seal, and label the bags. Freeze the sauce for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, simply move a bag from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 8

Serving and Storage Tips:

Creating a delicious homemade pizza sauce is just the beginning. Here are some tips to ensure your sauce stays fresh and your pizzas are bursting with flavor every time:

1. Perfect Portions: When serving, use a ladle or spoon to distribute the sauce evenly over your pizza dough. Aim for a generous spread without drowning the crust.

2. Customize to Taste: Adjust the seasoning of your pizza sauce to suit your preferences. Add a pinch more salt, a dash of red pepper flakes for heat, or fresh herbs like basil for extra freshness.

3. Enhance with Cheese: For a richer flavor, mix grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese into the sauce before spreading it on the pizza dough.

4. Store Smart: Keep your pizza sauce in a glass jar with an airtight lid to maintain freshness. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination, which can affect the sauce’s shelf life.

5. Extend Shelf Life: If you’ve made a large batch, freeze the sauce in portioned zip-top bags. Label each bag with the date and portion size for easy retrieval later.

6. Use Beyond Pizza: Don’t limit yourself to pizza alone! This versatile sauce can elevate pasta dishes, serve as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, or even be used as a base for meatball subs.

7. Reheat with Care: When reheating leftover pizza sauce, do so gently over low heat to preserve its texture and flavors. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

8. Experiment Freely: Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients such as roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or a splash of balsamic vinegar to create your signature sauce.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your homemade pizza sauce remains fresh, flavorful, and ready to enhance any pizza night or culinary creation. Enjoy the rich taste of your pizzas and explore the endless possibilities this versatile sauce offers!

Variations :

Enhance your pizza-making experience with these creative variations on traditional homemade pizza sauce. From adding bold flavors to exploring different textures, these ideas will inspire your culinary creativity:

1. Spicy Kick:

• Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a fiery kick. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.

2. Herb Garden Blend:

• Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and parsley into the sauce for a garden-fresh flavor. Chop them finely and stir them in after blending for a burst of herbal goodness.

3. Smoky Flavor:

• Introduce smoked paprika or chipotle powder to give your sauce a delightful smoky undertone. This works particularly well with toppings like barbecue chicken or smoked sausage.

4. Mediterranean Twist:

• Mix in a tablespoon of sun-dried tomato paste and a pinch of dried Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and marjoram. This variation pairs beautifully with toppings such as feta cheese, olives, and artichokes.

5. Roasted Garlic Infusion:

• Roast a head of garlic until soft and caramelized. Squeeze the roasted cloves into the sauce mixture before blending for a mellow, sweet garlic flavor.

6. Creamy Option:

• Blend in a tablespoon of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese to create a creamy pizza sauce variation. This adds richness and a velvety texture to your pizza.

7. Sweet and Tangy Blend:

• Mix in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and a teaspoon of honey to balance the flavors with a sweet and tangy twist. Ideal for pizzas with salty toppings like prosciutto or black olives.

8. Pesto Fusion:

• Blend in a couple of tablespoons of basil pesto to infuse your sauce with the vibrant flavors of basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for gourmet-style pizzas with fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes.

9. Veggie Medley:

• Sauté finely diced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms until tender, then blend them into the sauce for added depth and a chunky texture. This variation complements vegetable-loaded pizzas.

10. Tropical Delight:

• Mix in a tablespoon of pineapple juice and a pinch of ground ginger for a tropical twist. Pair this sauce with ham and pineapple toppings for a Hawaiian-inspired pizza.

Experiment with these variations to customize your homemade pizza sauce according to your taste preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Whether you prefer bold and spicy or creamy and mellow, these ideas will help you create pizzas that are as unique as they are delicious. Enjoy exploring the world of homemade pizza sauces!

FAQs:

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?

• Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just roast or blanch them first, then peel and dice before blending.

2. How can I make the sauce less chunky?

• Blend the sauce longer in the food processor or blender for a smoother consistency.

3. Can I omit the sugar from the recipe?

• Yes, you can omit the sugar or replace it with a small amount of honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.

4. How can I make the sauce less salty if I’ve added too much salt?

• Balance out the saltiness by adding a bit more tomato paste or a splash of water.

5. Can I freeze the pizza sauce in ice cube trays for smaller portions?

• Yes, freezing in ice cube trays allows for easy portioning. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for storage.

6. Is it necessary to strain the liquid from the canned tomatoes?

• Straining helps achieve a thicker consistency but is optional based on your preference.

7. Can I use this sauce for other dishes besides pizza?

• Absolutely! This sauce works well with pasta, as a dipping sauce, or even as a marinade for grilled vegetables.

8. How long does it take to thaw frozen pizza sauce?

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or place the sealed bag in a bowl of cold water for quicker thawing.

9. Can I add meat or seafood to the sauce?

• Yes, brown ground meat or sauté seafood separately, then stir into the sauce for added flavor.

10. How can I make the sauce more tangy?

• Increase the amount of tomato paste or add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy kick.

Homemade pizza sauce offers endless opportunities to customize your pizza experience. Whether you prefer classic flavors or bold innovations, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques will elevate your pizzas to new heights of flavor and satisfaction. Enjoy the process of creating and savoring your homemade pizzas with this versatile sauce!