How to Make Pizza Sauce Using Tomato Sauce: A Quick & Easy Guide
Transform ordinary tomato sauce into a delicious and authentic pizza sauce by simmering it with a blend of herbs, spices, and a touch of sweetness. This simple process enhances the flavor of store-bought sauce, delivering a restaurant-quality taste at home.
Understanding the Basics of Pizza Sauce
Pizza sauce isn’t just tomato sauce straight from the can. It’s a carefully seasoned and often slightly cooked version designed to complement the flavors of cheese, toppings, and crust. The right sauce can make or break a pizza, so understanding its components is crucial.
Why Use Tomato Sauce as a Base?
Using commercially prepared tomato sauce as a base offers several advantages:
- Convenience: It significantly reduces preparation time. No need to peel, seed, or cook fresh tomatoes.
- Consistency: Provides a uniform texture and acidity level, leading to more predictable results.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Can be more economical than using fresh tomatoes, especially out of season.
- Availability: Tomato sauce is readily available in most grocery stores.
The Process: From Tomato Sauce to Pizza Perfection
The key to transforming simple tomato sauce into extraordinary pizza sauce lies in the simmering process and the carefully chosen ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Choose Your Tomato Sauce: Opt for a plain, unsalted tomato sauce. This allows you to control the seasoning completely. Tomato puree can also be used, although it will likely need more water to thin it.
- Gather Your Ingredients: Essential ingredients include:
- Olive Oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Dried Oregano
- Dried Basil
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for heat)
- Sugar (or honey, to balance acidity)
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Water (or tomato paste for thicker sauce, tomato juice for thinner sauce)
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
- Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, sugar, or herbs to your liking.
- Cool and Use: Allow the sauce to cool slightly before using it on your pizza.
Enhancing Your Sauce: Optional Additions
While the basic recipe is delicious, feel free to experiment with other flavors:
- Onion Powder: Adds depth and sweetness.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano, added towards the end of simmering, provide a vibrant flavor.
- Tomato Paste: Adds richness and thickens the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, salty note.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A touch of balsamic vinegar can add a subtle tang and complexity.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Even a simple recipe can go wrong if you aren’t careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Burning the Garlic: Burnt garlic will make the entire sauce taste bitter. Keep the heat low and watch it closely.
- Over-Seasoning: Start with a small amount of seasoning and adjust as you go. It’s easier to add than to subtract.
- Under-Simmering: Simmering allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Don’t rush the process.
- Using Too Much Sugar: The sugar is there to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, not to make the sauce sweet. Use it sparingly.
Ingredient Quantities Table: A Starting Point
This table provides a general guideline for ingredient quantities, but feel free to adjust to your personal preference.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato Sauce | 1 (15 oz) can | Unsalted, plain variety |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons | Extra Virgin Olive Oil is preferred |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon | |
| Dried Basil | 1 teaspoon | |
| Red Pepper Flakes | 1/4 teaspoon | Optional, adjust to taste |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste, depending on sauce acidity |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Water (or juice) | 1/4 cup | Add if sauce is too thick |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use diced tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, you can, but you’ll need to simmer the sauce for a longer time to break down the tomatoes. It’s also a good idea to use an immersion blender to create a smoother consistency. Ensure you drain any excess liquid from the diced tomatoes first for a thicker sauce.
How long does homemade pizza sauce last?
Homemade pizza sauce will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs will add a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried herbs. Add fresh herbs towards the end of the simmering process to preserve their flavor.
What kind of sugar should I use?
Granulated sugar is the most common choice, but you can also use honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile. Brown sugar will add a molasses-like sweetness.
My sauce is too acidic. How can I fix it?
Adding a pinch of baking soda can help neutralize the acidity. Add a very small amount at a time, stirring well after each addition. Be careful, as too much baking soda can create an unpleasant taste.
My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
You can thicken your sauce by simmering it for a longer period, allowing the excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
Can I make pizza sauce in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally.
What’s the best way to store leftover pizza sauce?
Store leftover pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it in individual portions using ice cube trays for easy use later.
Can I use this sauce for other dishes besides pizza?
Definitely! This sauce is versatile and can be used for pasta, dipping, or as a base for other tomato-based recipes. Its enhanced flavor makes it a superior alternative to plain tomato sauce.
Is it better to use canned or fresh tomatoes for pizza sauce?
While fresh tomatoes can yield a delicious sauce, canned tomatoes often provide more consistent results, especially out of season. Canned San Marzano tomatoes are a popular choice for their sweet and slightly acidic flavor.
Can I add meat to my pizza sauce?
Yes, you can! Ground beef, Italian sausage, or pepperoni can be added to the sauce during the simmering process. Brown the meat before adding it to the sauce.
What are some good pizza topping combinations that go well with this sauce?
This sauce pairs well with a wide variety of toppings. Classic combinations include pepperoni and mozzarella, mushroom and sausage, or a simple Margherita with fresh basil and mozzarella. Experiment and find your favorites!