Craving authentic pizza but tired of store-bought sauce? This recipe delivers a homemade pizza sauce that's both simple and incredibly delicious, elevating your pizza night to a whole new level. Using readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll create a vibrant, flavorful sauce that's far superior to anything you can find in a jar. Forget artificial flavors and preservatives; this recipe uses fresh tomatoes and a few simple seasonings to unlock their full potential. Get ready to experience the rich, tangy, and subtly sweet taste of homemade pizza perfection.This guide walks you through each step, from preparing the tomatoes to achieving the perfect simmering consistency. Learn how simple additions like sugar and vinegar beautifully balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a harmonious flavor profile. Discover the secret to a vibrant red color without excessive heat, thanks to the use of Kashmiri chili powder. With a long shelf life, this homemade sauce is not only a delicious addition to your pizzas but also a versatile pantry staple perfect for pasta dishes and more. Let's get started!
Pros And Cons
- Tasty
- Simple to make
- Easy to store (up to one month outside the refrigerator, 4-5 months refrigerated)
- Versatile (can be used for pizza, pasta, sandwiches, or with roti)
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Preparing the Tomatoes
Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly. This is crucial for a flavorful sauce. Adding baking soda to the wash water helps remove any pesticides or dirt.
Next, rinse the tomatoes again with clean water to remove any baking soda residue. Make sure they are completely dry before proceeding. This will prevent your sauce from becoming watery.
Remove the cores from the tomatoes and chop them roughly. We'll be pureeing them later, so precise cutting isn't necessary.
Making the Tomato Puree
Blend the chopped tomatoes until you achieve a smooth puree. Add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of powdered sugar to enhance the flavor.
The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a more well-rounded taste. Any type of sugar will work; granulated or powdered are both suitable.
Sautéing Aromatics and Simmering the Sauce
Heat refined oil (or olive oil) in a pan. Add minced garlic, ginger, and chopped onion. Sauté until softened, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the tomato puree, salt, Kashmiri red chili powder (for color, not heat), and any other desired seasonings (black pepper, pizza seasoning).
Simmer the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens and releases oil. This indicates the sauce is ready and will help preserve it.
Finishing Touches and Preservation
Add a tablespoon of white vinegar for a touch of tanginess. This brightens the flavor of the sauce.
Stir in a bit of sugar and 4 tablespoons of tomato ketchup to add sweetness and depth. This enhances the overall flavor profile.
Once cooled, store your sauce in an airtight container. It can last for about a month at room temperature or 4-5 months refrigerated.
Conclusion
This homemade pizza sauce recipe is simple, delicious, and easy to make. The steps are straightforward, using readily available ingredients.
The addition of sugar and vinegar helps balance the flavors, resulting in a well-rounded taste. The use of Kashmiri chili powder provides color without adding excessive heat.
The long shelf life, both at room temperature and refrigerated, adds to its convenience and makes it a perfect pantry staple for pizza, pasta, and more.