Easy Pizza Sauce II: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Homemade Pizza

Pizza night is a beloved tradition in many households. While ordering takeout is convenient, nothing quite compares to the satisfaction of crafting your own homemade pizza. And the secret to a truly exceptional homemade pizza lies in the sauce. Forget store-bought jars filled with preservatives and artificial flavors. This “Easy Pizza Sauce II” recipe offers a quick, simple, and incredibly flavorful alternative that will elevate your pizza game to a whole new level. This is an iteration on the original easy pizza sauce recipe, offering slightly different ingredients and a slightly enhanced flavor profile.

## Why Make Your Own Pizza Sauce?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s explore the benefits of making your own pizza sauce:

* **Superior Flavor:** Homemade pizza sauce boasts a freshness and vibrancy that pre-made versions simply can’t match. You control the ingredients, ensuring a rich, authentic taste.
* **Customization:** Tailor the sauce to your exact preferences. Adjust the sweetness, spice level, and herb combinations to create a flavor profile that perfectly complements your pizza toppings.
* **Healthier Option:** Avoid the added sugars, preservatives, and artificial ingredients often found in store-bought sauces. You know exactly what goes into your sauce, making it a healthier choice for you and your family.
* **Cost-Effective:** Making your own pizza sauce is surprisingly budget-friendly. A few simple ingredients can yield a large batch of sauce, saving you money compared to purchasing jars from the store.
* **Sense of Accomplishment:** There’s a certain satisfaction in creating something delicious from scratch. Making your own pizza sauce adds a special touch to your homemade pizzas, making them even more enjoyable.

## Easy Pizza Sauce II: The Recipe

This recipe builds upon the simplicity of the original easy pizza sauce, incorporating slightly different ingredients and techniques to create a robust and flavorful sauce that’s ready in minutes.

**Yields:** Approximately 2 cups
**Prep time:** 5 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano for best flavor)
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
* 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey, to balance acidity)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish and added flavor)
* 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth)

### Equipment:

* Medium saucepan
* Wooden spoon or spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons

### Instructions:

1. **Sauté the Garlic:** Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan 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 become bitter.
2. **Add Tomato Paste:** Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps to caramelize the tomato paste, deepening its flavor and reducing its acidity. This is a crucial step often skipped in simpler recipes.
3. **Incorporate Tomatoes and Spices:** Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar (or honey), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. **Simmer the Sauce:** Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
5. **Optional: Add Balsamic Vinegar:** Stir in the balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of complexity and a touch of sweetness. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch more sugar or honey.
6. **Optional: Garnish with Parsley:** Stir in the fresh parsley, if using, just before removing the sauce from the heat. This adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color.
7. **Cool and Use:** Let the sauce cool slightly before using it on your pizza. You can use it immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the sauce for longer storage (up to 3 months). Thaw completely before using.

### Tips for the Best Pizza Sauce:

* **Use High-Quality Tomatoes:** The quality of your tomatoes will significantly impact the flavor of your sauce. Opt for San Marzano tomatoes for the best results. If you can find them, they are worth the extra cost. They have a naturally sweet and rich flavor that is perfect for pizza sauce.
* **Don’t Skip the Tomato Paste Sauté:** Sautéing the tomato paste before adding the other ingredients is a game-changer. It deepens the flavor of the tomato paste and helps to reduce its acidity, resulting in a richer, more balanced sauce.
* **Simmer for Optimal Flavor:** Allowing the sauce to simmer for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and develop fully. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become.
* **Adjust Seasonings to Your Taste:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your preferences. Add more salt, pepper, sugar, or red pepper flakes as needed to create the perfect flavor profile for your taste buds.
* **Use Fresh Herbs When Possible:** While dried herbs are convenient, fresh herbs add a brighter, more vibrant flavor to the sauce. If you have fresh basil, oregano, or parsley available, use them instead of dried herbs for an even more delicious sauce.
* **Consider a Food Processor or Immersion Blender:** If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use a food processor or immersion blender to blend the sauce after it has simmered. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Avoid overcooking the sauce, as this can cause it to become bitter.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and other ingredients to create your own unique pizza sauce. Some other great additions include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder.

## Variations and Additions:

* **Spicy Pizza Sauce:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier sauce.
* **Sweet Pizza Sauce:** Increase the amount of sugar or honey for a sweeter sauce.
* **Herb-Infused Pizza Sauce:** Add other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or marjoram for a more complex flavor.
* **Roasted Garlic Pizza Sauce:** Roast a head of garlic and add the roasted cloves to the sauce for a rich, garlicky flavor.
* **Mushroom Pizza Sauce:** Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the sauce for an earthy, umami flavor.
* **Onion Pizza Sauce:** Sauté finely chopped onion along with the garlic for a sweeter, more savory sauce.

## Serving Suggestions:

This Easy Pizza Sauce II is perfect for:

* **Homemade Pizza:** Spread it on your favorite pizza dough and top with your desired toppings.
* **Pasta Dishes:** Use it as a sauce for pasta dishes such as spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti.
* **Dipping Sauce:** Serve it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, garlic knots, or mozzarella sticks.
* **Bruschetta:** Spread it on toasted bread and top with fresh mozzarella and basil for a delicious appetizer.
* **Calzones and Strombolis:** Use it as a filling for calzones and strombolis.

## Storage Instructions:

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Freeze:** Freeze pizza sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before using.

## Nutrition Information (approximate, per 1/4 cup serving):

* Calories: 50-60
* Fat: 4-5g
* Saturated Fat: 0.5-1g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 5-7g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 3-4g
* Protein: 1g

*(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)*

## Conclusion:

This Easy Pizza Sauce II recipe is a game-changer for homemade pizza enthusiasts. It’s quick, simple, and incredibly flavorful, and it allows you to customize the sauce to your exact preferences. Say goodbye to bland, store-bought sauces and hello to a pizza experience that is truly exceptional. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a pizza sauce that will impress your family and friends and elevate your pizza nights to a whole new level. So, ditch the jar and embrace the deliciousness of homemade pizza sauce. Your taste buds will thank you!