Description
Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce is a rich and flavorful homemade sauce made from crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a blend of classic Italian herbs and spices. Perfectly simmered to develop depth and a balanced taste, this sauce elevates any pizza with its authentic and aromatic profile.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Base
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
Oils & Spices
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
Cheese (Optional)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Place a pot over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Warm the oil until it is hot but not smoking, preparing it for sautéeing the garlic.
- Add garlic: Add garlic powder (or minced garlic if preferred) and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma; be careful not to burn it.
- Cook tomato paste: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor and caramelize slightly.
- Add crushed tomatoes: Pour in the 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine with the tomato paste and oil.
- Season the sauce: Add 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and optionally 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds. Stir thoroughly to distribute all spices evenly.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to cook gently for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and to let the flavors meld together.
- Add Parmesan (optional): Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese if desired, which adds a subtle richness and umami boost.
- Cool and blend: Let the sauce cool slightly, then blend if you prefer a smooth texture. Otherwise, leave it chunky as is.
- Use or store: Use this sauce immediately on your pizza or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, blend after cooking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for more or less heat.
- Fennel seeds are optional but add a subtle anise flavor traditional to some Italian sauces.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more robust garlic flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: pizza sauce, homemade pizza sauce, Italian pizza sauce, tomato sauce, Aurelio's pizza sauce, easy pizza sauce recipe
