Pizza sauce

Pizza sauce, the vibrant and aromatic base spread on pizzas worldwide, has a rich history intertwined with the evolution of pizza itself. Originating in Naples, Italy, pizza began as a simple dish for the poor, consisting of flatbread topped with whatever ingredients were available. However, the addition of tomato sauce transformed pizza into the beloved dish we know today. This transformation occurred in the late 18th century, after tomatoes were brought to Europe from the Americas and eventually became a staple in Italian cuisine. Pizza sauce, as we recognize it, is typically made from tomatoes and seasoned with herbs, garlic, and onions, offering a tangy and slightly sweet foundation that complements a variety of toppings. It’s used on traditional Italian pizzas, American-style pizzas, and even some modern fusion varieties.

• Drain the canned tomatoes and crush them by hand or with a fork to achieve a chunky texture. For a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomatoes briefly, but traditional pizza sauce is usually not too fine.
• Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. This infuses the oil with garlic flavor, a key base for the sauce.
• Add the crushed tomatoes to the saucepan. Stir in the dried oregano, chopped basil, salt, and sugar (if using). The sugar is optional but can help to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
• Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and the flavors meld together.
• Finish the sauce with ground black pepper, adjusting the salt if necessary. Let the sauce cool to room temperature before using it on pizza dough.

Storage Tips

Pizza sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, it can be frozen in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.

Useful Properties of the Main Ingredient

Tomatoes, the main ingredient in pizza sauce, are a great source of vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate. They are also rich in antioxidants, including lycopene, which has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.

Interesting Facts

• The city of Naples is so dedicated to preserving traditional pizza that it has its own set of guidelines for authentic Neapolitan pizza, including how the pizza sauce should be made.
• The first pizza to be topped with tomato sauce was the Margherita, created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889, symbolizing the Italian flag with its colors of red (tomato), white (mozzarella), and green (basil).
• Unlike some other sauces, traditional pizza sauce is uncooked before it goes on the pizza, allowing the flavors to blend and concentrate in the heat of the oven.

This homemade pizza sauce recipe offers a taste of Italy with every bite, capturing the essence of traditional pizza with its simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients. Whether you’re making a classic Margherita or an inventive custom creation, this sauce will provide the perfect foundation for your pizza toppings.