How do you make pizza sauce from fresh tomatoes? If you’re a fan of homemade pizza, you know that the secret to a delicious pie lies in the sauce. Using fresh tomatoes to make your own pizza sauce adds a burst of freshness and flavor that store-bought sauces simply can’t match. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a homemade pizza sauce that will elevate your homemade pizzas to new heights.
First, let’s gather the ingredients. To make a batch of pizza sauce from fresh tomatoes, you’ll need the following:
– 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes
– 1 large onion
– 2 cloves of garlic
– 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
– Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the preparation steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes. This will help to soften the tomatoes and make them easier to peel.
2. While the tomatoes are baking, finely chop the onion and garlic. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Once the tomatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, peel the skins off the tomatoes and chop them into small pieces.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, sugar (if using), oregano, basil, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should thicken slightly and the flavors should meld together.
6. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too acidic, you can add a little more sugar. If it’s too salty, add a bit more water or tomato paste to dilute the saltiness.
7. Once you’re satisfied with the flavor and consistency, remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool. You can now use it immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
By making your own pizza sauce from fresh tomatoes, you’ll have a delicious, homemade sauce that will add a whole new level of flavor to your homemade pizzas. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!