What Tomato Sauce To Use For Pizza? A Deep Dive into the World of Pizza Sauces
The best tomato sauce for pizza is arguably a simple, uncooked sauce featuring high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes, crushed and seasoned lightly with salt, a touch of garlic, and fresh basil. The goal is to let the flavor of the tomatoes shine through.
Understanding the Importance of Tomato Sauce in Pizza
Tomato sauce isn’t just a condiment on pizza; it’s a foundational element that can make or break the entire experience. The acidity, sweetness, and overall flavor profile of the sauce dramatically influence the final taste. Choosing the right sauce depends on personal preference, the style of pizza you’re making, and, critically, the quality of the tomatoes themselves. Think of it as the bridge between the crust and the toppings, binding everything together.
The Fundamental Components of a Great Pizza Sauce
A great pizza sauce relies on a few key ingredients and techniques. The quality of each component contributes significantly to the final result.
- Tomatoes: The most important element. San Marzano tomatoes are widely considered the gold standard due to their sweetness, low acidity, and robust flavor. Look for DOP certification for authenticity.
- Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. Use sea salt or kosher salt for the best flavor.
- Garlic (Optional): Adds depth and complexity. Use fresh garlic cloves, minced finely.
- Basil (Optional): Provides a fresh, herbaceous note. Use fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped.
- Olive Oil (Optional): Adds richness and a smooth texture. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Sugar (Optional): Can balance the acidity of the tomatoes, especially if they are not San Marzano.
Raw vs. Cooked Pizza Sauce: A Matter of Taste and Style
The debate between raw and cooked pizza sauce is central to understanding the nuances of pizza making. Both approaches offer unique benefits.
Raw Sauce: This method involves simply crushing or blending tomatoes with seasonings.
- Pros: Brighter, fresher tomato flavor; less time consuming.
- Cons: Relies heavily on the quality of the tomatoes; can be slightly watery if not drained properly.
Cooked Sauce: This method involves simmering tomatoes with aromatics like garlic and herbs.
- Pros: Deeper, more complex flavor; sauce is less likely to be watery.
- Cons: Can lose some of the fresh tomato flavor; requires more time and effort.
For a traditional Neapolitan pizza, raw sauce is almost always preferred. For other styles, such as New York or Detroit-style pizza, a cooked sauce is more common.
Choosing the Right Tomatoes: Fresh vs. Canned
While fresh tomatoes can be used for pizza sauce, they are often less consistent in flavor and texture compared to canned tomatoes.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Best when in season and at their peak ripeness. Requires peeling, seeding, and cooking down to achieve the desired consistency. Can be more acidic.
- Canned Tomatoes: Convenient, consistent, and often of higher quality than out-of-season fresh tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are typically sold canned. Look for whole peeled tomatoes packed in juice.
Table: Comparison of Fresh vs. Canned Tomatoes for Pizza Sauce
| Feature | Fresh Tomatoes | Canned Tomatoes |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Varies depending on season and variety | Consistent, often sweeter |
| Texture | Requires cooking to achieve desired texture | Already processed, easier to achieve consistency |
| Convenience | Less convenient, requires more preparation | More convenient, ready to use |
| Availability | Seasonal | Year-round |
Avoiding Common Mistakes in Pizza Sauce Preparation
Making great pizza sauce isn’t just about ingredients; it’s also about avoiding common pitfalls.
- Over-Seasoning: Let the tomato flavor shine. Use salt sparingly and other seasonings with restraint.
- Over-Cooking: Cooking the sauce for too long can result in a dull, muted flavor. If cooking, simmer gently and avoid scorching.
- Using Low-Quality Tomatoes: The quality of the tomatoes is paramount. Don’t skimp on this ingredient.
- Not Draining Excess Liquid: If using raw sauce, drain excess liquid from the crushed tomatoes to prevent a soggy pizza.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pizza Sauce
What are San Marzano tomatoes and why are they so highly regarded?
San Marzano tomatoes are a variety of plum tomato grown in the Agro Sarnese-Nocerino region of Italy, near Mount Vesuvius. They are prized for their sweetness, low acidity, and thick flesh, making them ideal for pizza sauce. The volcanic soil and Mediterranean climate contribute to their unique flavor. Genuine San Marzano tomatoes will have a DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) certification, ensuring their authenticity.
Can I use tomato paste in my pizza sauce?
Tomato paste can be used, but sparingly. It provides a concentrated tomato flavor and helps to thicken the sauce. However, using too much can result in a sauce that is too intense and bitter. It’s best to use tomato paste in conjunction with crushed or whole tomatoes, rather than as the sole tomato component. Consider browning the tomato paste in a pan with a little olive oil before adding other ingredients to enhance its flavor and remove some of the bitterness.
Is it necessary to peel and seed tomatoes before making pizza sauce?
If using fresh tomatoes, peeling and seeding is recommended for a smoother sauce and to remove any bitter components. However, if using high-quality canned tomatoes, especially San Marzano, it’s generally not necessary to peel or seed them, as the canning process has already addressed these issues.
What’s the best way to crush whole canned tomatoes for pizza sauce?
There are several methods for crushing whole canned tomatoes. You can use a food mill, a potato masher, your hands, or a brief pulse in a food processor. Avoid over-processing, as this can make the sauce too smooth and potentially introduce air. The goal is to achieve a slightly chunky texture.
How much salt should I add to my pizza sauce?
The amount of salt depends on the saltiness of the tomatoes and your personal preference. Start with a small amount, about 1/2 teaspoon per 28-ounce can of tomatoes, and then taste and adjust as needed. Remember that the cheese and other toppings will also contribute salt to the overall flavor of the pizza.
Can I add sugar to my pizza sauce?
A small amount of sugar can be added to pizza sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, especially if they are not San Marzano or if you prefer a sweeter sauce. Start with a small amount, about 1/4 teaspoon per 28-ounce can of tomatoes, and then taste and adjust. Be careful not to add too much, as this can result in an overly sweet sauce.
How long can I store homemade pizza sauce?
Homemade pizza sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, divide the sauce into portions that you can easily use for a single pizza.
What herbs and spices can I add to my pizza sauce besides basil?
While basil is a classic addition to pizza sauce, other herbs and spices can also be used to enhance the flavor. These include oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Experiment to find your favorite combination. Use dried herbs sparingly, as they can be quite potent.
How do I prevent my pizza sauce from being watery?
To prevent watery pizza sauce, drain excess liquid from the crushed tomatoes before applying it to the crust. You can also simmer the sauce for a short period to reduce the liquid content. Avoid adding too much water or other liquids to the sauce. Using high-quality, low-moisture tomatoes, like San Marzano, is also helpful.
Can I use passata (tomato puree) for pizza sauce?
Passata, or tomato puree, can be used for pizza sauce, especially if you prefer a very smooth and uniform texture. However, it’s important to choose a high-quality passata with a good tomato flavor. You may need to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
What is the difference between marinara sauce and pizza sauce?
While similar, marinara sauce is generally cooked for longer and often includes onions and more garlic than pizza sauce. Pizza sauce is often simpler and uncooked, focusing on the pure flavor of the tomatoes. However, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, and the specific recipe can vary depending on the cook.
Is it okay to use store-bought pizza sauce?
Using store-bought pizza sauce is perfectly acceptable, especially for convenience. However, the quality can vary greatly. Look for sauces that are made with high-quality ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes, and that have a simple ingredient list. Avoid sauces with excessive sugar, salt, or artificial flavors. You can also customize store-bought sauce by adding your own herbs and spices.