Are you tired of store-bought pizza sauces that just don’t hit the spot? Say goodbye to bland flavors and hello to a homemade delight that will elevate your pizza game! This "Better Than Bottled Pizza Sauce" recipe is not only quick and easy—taking just 25 minutes from start to finish—but it also bursts with authentic Italian flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. With simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, you can whip up a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for any pizza night. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 can of tomato sauce (15 oz), 1 can of tomato paste (6 oz), 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 clove of garlic (minced), and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the can of tomato sauce and the can of tomato paste. Stir them together until they are well blended.
- Add the minced garlic to the tomato mixture. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can add more than one clove, but one is sufficient for a balanced taste.
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano and dried basil. These herbs will provide the classic Italian flavor that complements the tomato base.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed. This will help to develop a harmonious flavor.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- As the sauce heats, taste it and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust as needed.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly before using it on your pizza.
- This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of pizza sauce, which can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
- Enjoy your homemade pizza sauce on your favorite pizza crust, or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks!
Tips
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: While this recipe uses dried herbs, consider using fresh oregano and basil for an even more vibrant flavor. Just remember to adjust the quantities, as fresh herbs are more potent.
- Adjust the Garlic: If you're a garlic lover, don’t hesitate to add an extra clove or two! You can also sauté the minced garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding it to the sauce for a richer taste.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the sauce to simmer for the full 20 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Taste your sauce as it simmers and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
- Storage Tips: This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
- Versatile Use: Don’t limit this sauce to just pizza! It makes a fantastic dipping sauce for breadsticks, a base for pasta dishes, or even as a zesty topping for baked chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 35kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
