Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe

When it comes to pizza, the sauce can make or break the experience. A delicious sauce is not just a topping; it’s the heart of flavor that brings your entire pie to life. Imagine creating a low-waste version that uses fresh tomatoes and vibrant herbs without the excess packaging. Let’s jump into the kitchen and whip up a homemade pizza sauce that’s fresh, flavorful, and easy on the planet!

Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 6-8 ripe tomatoes (Roma or San Marzano work best)

  
  

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

  
  

• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped

  
  

• A handful of fresh basil (about 1 cup, roughly chopped) or 2 teaspoons dried

  
  

• A handful of fresh oregano (about 1 cup, roughly chopped) or 2 teaspoons dried

  
  

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  
  

• ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

  
  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

  
  

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

  
  

Preparing the Pizza Sauce

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to start cooking!

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

Roughly chop tomatoes.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Be attentive not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Add your chopped tomatoes to the saucepan. For a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomatoes before adding them or use an immersion blender once they’ve cooked.

Stir in the chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to come together beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce thickens and clings nicely to a spoon.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool. If you made a large batch, consider portioning it into jars or containers. Use any leftover glass jars you have to minimize waste and keep your kitchen eco-friendly.

Fresh tomato sauce simmering in a saucepan

Tips for a Perfect Sauce

• Use Fresh Herbs: The secret to a standout sauce is using fresh herbs. Dried herbs can work, but fresh herbs will bring a brightness and flavor that's hard to beat.

• Taste for Seasoning: As your sauce cooks, taste it periodically. You might find that a little extra salt or a pinch of sugar balances the acidity, making your sauce even better.

  
  

• Add Extra Veggies: Got leftover veggies? Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can add more flavor and texture to your sauce. Don't hesitate to experiment!

  
  

• Freezer-Friendly: Homemade pizza sauce is perfect for freezing! Store it in ice cube trays for easy-to-use portions, or in larger containers for family pizza nights.

  
  

Serving Suggestions

Once your sauce is ready, let your creativity shine! Spread a generous layer over your favorite pizza dough—whether it's thin crust, thick crust, or even cauliflower crust.

Bake according to your pizza dough's instructions, usually around 475°F (245°C) for 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles enticingly.

Delicious homemade pizza fresh from the oven

Unleash Your Pizza Night

Creating your own homemade pizza sauce isn’t just a fun kitchen project; it aligns with a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing food waste. The beautiful colors and flavors of fresh tomatoes combined with your personal touch make every pizza night something special.

Next time you're gearing up for a pizza party or a cozy night in, skip the store-bought options and opt for this simple, low-waste pizza sauce recipe. You'll be amazed at the flavor and satisfaction of knowing you made it from scratch!

Happy cooking, and enjoy every slice!