Authentic Sicilian Pizza Sauce
Recreate the classic flavors of Sicilian-style pizza with this rich and robust pizza sauce. Perfectly balanced with the sweetness of crushed tomatoes and the aromatic freshness of herbs, this sauce enhances any pizza you create. Ideal for a Saturday night family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, this sauce is not only delicious but can also be made in advance and stored for later use. Versatile enough to be used as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or a topping for pastas, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
3 (tablespoons)
Tomato paste
2 (tablespoons)
Onion
1 (medium, finely chopped)
Crushed tomatoes
28 (ounces (1 can))
Dried basil
2 (teaspoons, crumbled with added puree)
Dried oregano
1 (teaspoon, crumbled)
Salt
to taste
Fresh ground pepper
to taste
Garlic cloves
3 (large, minced)
Instructions
1
In a heavy medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the finely chopped onion along with the dried basil and oregano. Sauté until the onion is softened and translucent, about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
4
Incorporate the tomato paste into the mixture and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine well.
5
Add the crushed tomatoes to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and adjust the heat as necessary to maintain a simmer. Let the sauce cook until it reaches your desired thickness, stirring occasionally.
6
Season the sauce generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7
Once done, remove the sauce from heat and let it cool before using. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for up to one month.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary use for this Authentic Sicilian Pizza Sauce?
While primarily designed for Sicilian-style pizza, this rich and robust sauce is versatile enough to be used as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or as a topping for various pasta dishes.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 9 ingredients: olive oil, tomato paste, onion, crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, fresh ground pepper, and garlic cloves.
How much olive oil is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
You should use one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
How should the onion be prepared?
You need one medium onion that has been finely chopped.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the finely chopped onion with the herbs for about 6 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
How much garlic is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 large garlic cloves, which should be minced.
When do I add the garlic to the pan?
Stir in the minced garlic after the onions have softened and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Does the recipe use tomato paste?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste are incorporated into the mixture to add depth and richness.
How long should the tomato paste cook before adding the tomatoes?
The tomato paste should be cooked for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine well with the onions and garlic.
What dried herbs are included in the Sicilian sauce?
The sauce uses 2 teaspoons of dried basil (crumbled) and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano (crumbled).
How do I season the pizza sauce?
Season the sauce generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your personal taste.
What is the recommended cooking vessel?
It is recommended to use a heavy medium saucepan to ensure even heat distribution.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook until it reaches your desired thickness.
Can I store the sauce in the refrigerator?
Yes, the sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Is this sauce freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce in an airtight container for up to one month.
Should I use the sauce immediately after cooking?
It is recommended to remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely before using it on your pizza dough.
Is there added sugar in this recipe?
No, there is no added sugar; the sweetness comes naturally from the crushed tomatoes.
What makes this sauce 'Sicilian-style'?
The combination of olive oil, sautéed aromatics like onion and garlic, and a heavy infusion of basil and oregano creates the robust flavor profile typical of Sicilian cuisine.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Absolutely, it is described as a family recipe ideal for Saturday night dinners or weekend gatherings.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes, the sauce is perfect for making ahead of time as it stores well in the fridge or freezer.
What is the heat level for cooking the onions?
The onions should be sautéed over medium heat.
How should I prepare the dried herbs?
The recipe suggests crumbling the dried basil and oregano to help release their oils and flavor.
What are the key tags associated with this recipe?
Key tags include sicilian, pizza sauce, homemade, italian cuisine, tomato sauce, and herb-infused.
Does this recipe include nutritional information like calories or fat?
No, the current recipe data does not specify serving size, calories, fat, or other macronutrients.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
By using crushed tomatoes and simmering to your preference, the sauce results in a thick, rich, and robust texture.
How do I ensure the garlic doesn't burn?
Cook the minced garlic for only 2 minutes after the onions are done, and stir it to ensure it becomes fragrant without scorching.
Is the onion sautéed alone?
No, the onion is sautéed along with the dried basil and oregano to infuse the oil with herbal flavors from the start.
Can I use this as a dipping sauce?
Yes, it is highly recommended as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
What is the total preparation time for the aromatics?
The onions take 6 minutes and the garlic takes 2 minutes, totaling about 8 minutes of sautéing before adding the paste and tomatoes.