Effortless Homemade Pizza Sauce

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 500 mL (approx)

Calories 6000 kcal

Equipment

• Blender or Food Processor

Ingredients

 

• 1 can Diced Tomatoes
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Instructions

 

• Add the crushed tomatoes to a blender and process until smooth. Set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a frypan over a medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds more.
• Add the pureed tomato mixture, tomato paste, salt and thyme. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
• Remove from the heat and stir through the basil

Notes

Chopped oregano could also be added.

There’s something truly magical about making pizza from scratch, and the heart of any great pizza lies in its sauce. A well-crafted pizza sauce can elevate your homemade pizza from good to extraordinary. Today we explore this simple and easy to make pizza sauce recipe that will become your new go-to for pizza night.

Crafting the Pizza Sauce

Start by adding the diced tomatoes to a blender and process them until smooth. Set this fresh tomato puree aside for now. Next, heat the olive oil in a frypan over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant aroma.

Pour the pureed tomatoes into the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic. Add the tomato paste, salt, and thyme. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the sauce cook for 20-25 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken beautifully.

Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in the chopped basil. This final touch adds a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor to your sauce.

Why This Sauce Works

Here’s a closer look at why this sauce works so well and what makes it a standout choice for your homemade pizzas:

• Fresh Ingredients: Using canned diced tomatoes provides a rich tomato flavor that’s convenient and consistent. Pureeing them ensures a smooth texture, perfect for spreading on pizza dough.
• Layered Flavors: Sautéing the onions and garlic first creates a flavorful base. Adding the tomato paste not only thickens the sauce but also intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Herbaceous Notes: Thyme brings an earthy depth to the sauce, while fresh basil adds a bright, fresh finish. These herbs balance each other and add complexity to the sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Pizza Sauce

Here are some additional tips to ensure your pizza sauce turns out perfect every time:

• Consistency Matters: If you prefer a chunkier sauce, pulse the tomatoes lightly in the blender rather than blending them completely smooth.
• Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the salt and herbs to suit your taste. Some might enjoy a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
• Make Ahead: This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. It’s a great way to save time on busy weeknights.
• Prevent Soggy Pizza: Ensure your sauce is thick enough by reducing the liquid content. A thicker sauce will help prevent your pizza from becoming soggy, providing a perfect base for your toppings. This is also why we don’t use marinara sauce or ketchup as a substitute here.