Simple, with quality tomatoes simmered with garlic, basil, and oregano.
Some folks think the secret to perfect pizza is the crust.
A bad red sauce can ruin a pizza just as easily as a bland, cardboard-like crust.
Sarah Fritsche
This jot down of sauce plagued the pizzas of my youth.
Its the kind of sauce that shows how using a few high-quality ingredients can positively impact a recipe.
I typically search for canned San Marzanos at my neighborhood market.
Sarah Fritsche
These California-grown tomatoes have top rankings in blind taste tests and are beloved in professional kitchens.
They can be found at Whole Foods other specialty markets, and online.
If you cant find San Marzanos at your market dont let that stop you from making this sauce.
Sarah Fritsche
The flavor is simple and bright with a beautiful balance of acidity and sweetness.
Seriously, you dont even have to do any chopping!
This recipe yields about 3 cups of sauce, which is enough for about a dozen pizzas.
Sarah Fritsche
If you like a saucier pie, feel free to add more.
Use It On More Than Pizza!
This sauce would also be great for dipping garlic bread, pizza rolls, and mozzarella sticks.
Sarah Fritsche
Pizza Sauce Vs.
Pasta Sauce
So, what exactly is the difference between a red sauce for pizza and one for pasta?
Minimal cooking is what sets pizza sauce apart from longer cooking Italian sugos and ragus.
Sarah Fritsche
Pizza sauces can also be on the thicker side, though thats not always the case.
That way I always have sauce at the ready when Im in the mood for pizza.
Pop the sauce in the fridge the night before to thaw it out.
Sarah Fritsche
Stored in the refrigerator, the sauce will keep for about a week.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and partially cover.
Allow the aromatics to gently infuse the tomato sauce and cook for 20 minutes.
Remove from heat, leaving the aromatics in the sauce to continue steeping while it cools.
When the sauce is room temperature, remove and discard the onion halves and basil sprigs.
Stir in the olive oil to finish.
Give the sauce a taste and adjust seasoning, if desired.
Spoon the sauce over your prepared pizza crust or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
