Craft your perfect pizza with this simple tomato basil sauce recipe! Key ingredients: tomatoes, garlic, olive oil. Perfect for any pizza night! #PizzaSauce #ItalianDish
- Garlic Cloves (for flavor enhancement; use fresh or granulated for an authentic taste)
- Onion, Finely Chopped (to add depth to the sauce; consider using yellow or sweet onions for better results)
- Oregano (dried or fresh; use Italian herbs for a classic pizza taste)
- Basil Leaves (add at the end of cooking for the best flavor; ensure they are fresh and high quality)
- Salt (for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preference)
- Black Pepper (to enhance the overall flavor of the sauce)
- Olive Oil (use extra-virgin for better taste and health benefits)
- Sugar (a small amount, optional, to balance acidity in tomatoes)
Use these ingredients to create a delicious pizza sauce that can be optimized for various dietary needs. Experiment with the ratio of fresh herbs versus dried ones and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Enjoy crafting your perfect pizza sauce!
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Steps
### How to Make a Delicious Basic Pizza Sauce Main Dish
Creating your own homemade pizza sauce can be a rewarding experience, adding that extra flavor to any meal. Follow these detailed steps to make a basic tomato pizza sauce that is perfect for main courses or as a versatile base for various dishes.
#### Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) of San Marzano tomatoes
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh basil leaves for garnish
#### Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Immersion blender (optional)
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
#### 1. Prepare the Tomatoes
- **Sanitize:** Rinse the tomatoes under cold water to remove any dirt.
- **Peel the Tomatoes:** Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them into an ice bath. This process will make it easier to peel off the skins. Once cooled, you can easily peel away the skin.
#### 2. Chop and Sauté Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until the vegetables are soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
#### 3. Cook the Tomato Sauce
- **Add Tomatoes:** Place the peeled and halved tomatoes into the pot with the onion and garlic mixture.
- **Simmer:** Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer you cook it, the more flavorful the sauce will become.
#### 4. Blend (Optional)
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender or transfer part of the sauce into a regular blender and blend until smooth. Return the blended mixture to the pot with the rest of the sauce.
#### 5. Seasoning
- Stir in dried oregano, salt, and pepper according to your taste.
- Taste test and adjust seasoning if necessary.
#### 6. Garnish and Serve
- If desired, garnish the sauce with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
- The sauce can be served directly over cooked pasta or as a base for various pizza toppings. Enjoy it as a main dish or incorporate it into other recipes like meatballs or stews.
### Tips:
- Use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for the best taste and color.
- Always use fresh garlic; it imparts a much richer flavor than dried.
- Don’t rush the cooking process, especially if blending. It’s worth the extra time to develop full flavors.
By following these detailed steps, you can create a delicious pizza sauce that will elevate any meal. Perfect for those who love homemade and authentic Italian cuisine.