Make the Perfect Pizza Tomato Sauce

Creating a delicious pizza starts with a robust, flavorful tomato sauce. A great sauce forms the foundation of any pizza, providing a perfect balance to the cheese and toppings. Here’s a guide to making an authentic and mouthwatering pizza tomato sauce that will boost your homemade pizzas to the next level.

Ingredients

- 800g canned San Marzano tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

Instructions

1. Choose Quality Tomatoes:
- For an authentic flavor, opt for canned San Marzano tomatoes. These tomatoes are known for their rich, sweet taste and low acidity, making them ideal for pizza sauce.

2. Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Pour the canned tomatoes into a large mixing bowl. Crush them by hand for a rustic texture, or use an immersion blender for a smoother sauce, depending on your preference.

3. Sauté the Garlic:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

4. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the saucepan with the garlic. Stir well to combine.

5. Season the Sauce:
- Add salt, dried oregano, dried basil, and freshly ground black pepper. If you like a hint of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, stir in the sugar. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

6. Simmer to Perfection:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the flavors meld together. The sauce will thicken as it simmers, creating a rich and concentrated flavor.

7. Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you find the sauce too acidic, you can add a bit more sugar. If it needs more depth, add a touch more salt or herbs.

8. Cool and Store:
- Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Use it immediately on your pizza, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Tips for the Best Pizza Sauce

- Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are convenient and flavorful, fresh basil and oregano can add a vibrant taste. Add them towards the end of cooking or sprinkle them on your pizza just before baking.
- No-Cook Option: For a fresher, more vibrant flavor, you can use a no-cook method. Simply blend the ingredients together and let the sauce sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before spreading it on your pizza dough.
- Adjust Thickness: If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a little water or tomato juice. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.

By following these steps, you'll have a versatile, homemade pizza tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor. This sauce will not only complement your pizza but also enhance it, making every bite a delightful experience. Enjoy your homemade pizza night with this perfect pizza sauce!