Dad’s Ultimate Pizza Sauce: A Recipe for Pizza Perfection
Making pizza at home is a rewarding experience, and it all starts with the perfect sauce. Forget the store-bought jars – this recipe for Dad’s Ultimate Pizza Sauce is a game-changer. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. This sauce will elevate your homemade pizza from good to gourmet, impressing your family and friends with your newfound pizza-making prowess. Let’s dive in!
Why This Pizza Sauce is the Best
This isn’t just another pizza sauce recipe; it’s a labor of love passed down (or, you know, perfected through trial and error!). What sets it apart?
* **Deep, Rich Flavor:** The combination of high-quality canned tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of sweetness creates a complex flavor profile that’s both savory and satisfying.
* **Easy to Customize:** Want a spicier sauce? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer a sweeter sauce? A touch more sugar or honey will do the trick. This recipe is a great base to build upon.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Make a big batch and freeze it for future pizza nights. This sauce freezes beautifully, ensuring you always have delicious pizza sauce on hand.
* **All-Natural Ingredients:** Say goodbye to artificial flavors and preservatives. This sauce is made with fresh, wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather your ingredients. Quality ingredients are key to a great sauce, so choose the best you can find.
* **28 ounces (794g) Crushed Tomatoes:** Look for good-quality crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano if you can find them. The quality of the tomatoes significantly impacts the sauce’s flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are known for their sweetness and low acidity.
* **15 ounces (425g) Tomato Sauce:** This adds body and richness to the sauce. Again, opt for a good-quality brand.
* **6 ounces (170g) Tomato Paste:** Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Be sure to cook it properly to avoid a metallic taste.
* **1/4 cup (60ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil:** Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It adds richness and helps to sauté the aromatics.
* **4 cloves Garlic, minced:** Freshly minced garlic is essential for that classic pizza sauce flavor. Don’t use jarred minced garlic; it lacks the punch of fresh garlic.
* **1 teaspoon Dried Oregano:** A classic Italian herb that adds a savory note to the sauce.
* **1 teaspoon Dried Basil:** Another essential Italian herb that complements the oregano perfectly.
* **1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme:** Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional):** For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* **1 teaspoon Sugar (or Honey):** Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the sweetness.
* **1/2 teaspoon Salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper:** Adds a touch of spice and depth.
* **1/4 cup (60ml) Fresh Basil, chopped (optional, for garnish):** Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness when added at the end.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven:** A heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven is ideal for simmering the sauce evenly.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring the sauce.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring of ingredients.
* **Garlic Press or Knife:** For mincing the garlic.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Dad’s Ultimate Pizza Sauce
Now for the fun part! Follow these steps carefully to create the ultimate pizza sauce.
**Step 1: Sauté the Garlic**
* Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter. Stir constantly to prevent burning. The goal is to infuse the oil with the garlic’s aroma.
**Step 2: Add Tomato Paste and Cook**
* Add the tomato paste to the saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is crucial for caramelizing the tomato paste, which deepens its flavor and eliminates any metallic taste. The tomato paste should turn a deeper red color.
**Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Spices**
* Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
* Add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar (or honey), salt, and black pepper.
* Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
**Step 4: Simmer the Sauce**
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
* Cover the saucepan and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer the sauce simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will become. Be sure to stir every 20-30 minutes to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
* If the sauce becomes too thick during simmering, add a little water or tomato juice to thin it out.
**Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning**
* After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, sugar, or herbs to suit your preferences.
**Step 6: Blend (Optional)**
* If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the saucepan. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter.
**Step 7: Add Fresh Basil (Optional)**
* Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving.
Tips for the Best Pizza Sauce
* **Use High-Quality Tomatoes:** The quality of your tomatoes will directly impact the flavor of your sauce. Opt for San Marzano tomatoes if possible.
* **Don’t Skip the Tomato Paste Step:** Cooking the tomato paste is essential for developing its flavor and removing any metallic taste.
* **Simmer for as Long as Possible:** The longer the sauce simmers, the richer and more complex the flavor will become. Aim for at least 1 hour, but 2-3 hours is even better.
* **Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasoning to create a sauce that you love.
* **Let the Sauce Cool Completely Before Freezing:** This will help prevent freezer burn.
* **Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot:** A heavy-bottomed pot will help to distribute heat evenly and prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom.
* **Stir Regularly:** Stirring the sauce regularly will prevent it from sticking and burning.
Serving Suggestions
Of course, this sauce is perfect for homemade pizza! But it’s also incredibly versatile.
* **Pizza:** The obvious choice! Spread it on your favorite pizza dough, top with cheese and your favorite toppings, and bake to perfection.
* **Pasta:** Toss it with cooked pasta for a quick and easy meal.
* **Dipping Sauce:** Serve it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, garlic knots, or mozzarella sticks.
* **Lasagna:** Use it as the sauce layer in your lasagna.
* **Chicken Parmesan:** Top breaded chicken cutlets with the sauce and mozzarella cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden brown.
Variations
Want to put your own spin on Dad’s Ultimate Pizza Sauce? Here are a few ideas:
* **Spicy Pizza Sauce:** Add more red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a finely chopped jalapeño to the sauce.
* **Sweet Pizza Sauce:** Add more sugar or honey, or a splash of balsamic vinegar, to enhance the sweetness.
* **Smoked Pizza Sauce:** Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
* **Herbaceous Pizza Sauce:** Add other herbs like rosemary, sage, or marjoram to the sauce.
* **Vodka Pizza Sauce:** Stir in a shot of vodka after simmering to create a creamy, tangy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
**Make Ahead:** This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
**Storage:**
* **Refrigerator:** Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Freezer:** Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Recipe Card: Dad’s Ultimate Pizza Sauce
**Yields:** Approximately 3 cups
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 1-3 hours
**Ingredients:**
* 28 ounces (794g) Crushed Tomatoes
* 15 ounces (425g) Tomato Sauce
* 6 ounces (170g) Tomato Paste
* 1/4 cup (60ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
* 4 cloves Garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
* 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
* 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
* 1 teaspoon Sugar (or Honey)
* 1/2 teaspoon Salt
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1/4 cup (60ml) Fresh Basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
5. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar (or honey), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. If desired, use an immersion blender or regular blender to smooth the sauce.
9. Stir in fresh basil (if using) just before serving.
**Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 1/4 cup serving size):** (Note: This is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
* Calories: Approximately 70
* Fat: 5g
* Saturated Fat: 1g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 300mg
* Carbohydrates: 7g
* Fiber: 2g
* Sugar: 4g
* Protein: 1g
Conclusion
Dad’s Ultimate Pizza Sauce is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to elevate your homemade pizza experience. With its rich, flavorful profile and easy-to-follow instructions, this sauce is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to create pizza perfection!