Savory Italian Pizza Sauce
Crafted from a cherished family tradition, this Savory Italian Pizza Sauce boasts a rich and full-bodied flavor that elevates any pizza night. With a delightful blend of aromatic herbs and fresh ingredients, this sauce is simmered to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Ideal for making ahead, it can be refrigerated overnight to deepen its taste or frozen for later use. Enjoy the robust flavors in your homemade pizzas, pastas, and more, and savor the warmth of Italian cooking in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil or canola oil
3-4 tablespoons (heated)
Medium onion
1 (finely chopped) (chopped)
Minced fresh garlic
1 tablespoon (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder (to taste))
Dried Italian seasoning
3-4 teaspoons (or 1 tablespoon (to taste))
Oregano
2-4 teaspoons (to taste)
Tomato paste
1/4 cup (none)
Crushed tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (or use tomato sauce)
Salt
1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Black pepper
to taste (optional)
Sugar
1-2 teaspoons (add only if needed at the end of cooking)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable or canola oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and tender, stirring frequently to prevent browning.
2
Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and oregano, cooking for another minute to release their aromas.
3
Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the garlic does not burn.
4
Incorporate the tomato paste into the saucepan, stirring thoroughly for about 1 minute until it is well combined.
5
Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce) along with salt, black pepper, and sugar if desired. Stir to combine all ingredients.
6
Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you simmer, the thicker and richer the sauce will become.
7
Once finished, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or sugar as needed.
8
Allow the sauce to cool slightly before using. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze in plastic containers for future use. For enhanced flavor, refrigerate overnight before using.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Italian Pizza Sauce?
Savory Italian Pizza Sauce is a rich, full-bodied sauce crafted from a family tradition that features aromatic herbs and fresh ingredients simmered to perfection.
What type of oil should I use for this recipe?
You can use either vegetable oil or canola oil for sautéing the onions and garlic.
How long should I sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed for about 2 to 3 minutes until they are translucent and tender.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of minced fresh garlic with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, adjusted to your taste.
What dried herbs are included in this sauce?
This sauce features a blend of dried Italian seasoning and oregano to create its signature aromatic flavor.
Why is tomato paste added to the sauce?
Tomato paste is added and stirred for about a minute to provide a concentrated base that helps thicken and enrich the sauce.
Can I substitute crushed tomatoes?
Yes, if you do not have crushed tomatoes, you can use an equal amount of tomato sauce instead.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered on low heat for 30 to 45 minutes.
What is the benefit of simmering the sauce longer?
The longer you simmer the sauce, the thicker and richer the flavor profile will become as the ingredients meld.
Is sugar a necessary ingredient?
Sugar is optional and should be added only if needed at the end of cooking to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How should I store the finished sauce?
You can store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it in plastic containers for future use.
Does the flavor improve over time?
Yes, for an enhanced flavor, it is highly recommended to refrigerate the sauce overnight before using it on a pizza.
Can I use this sauce for pasta?
Absolutely, while designed for pizza, its robust flavors make it an excellent choice for pasta dishes as well.
How much tomato paste is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of tomato paste.
What size can of crushed tomatoes is needed?
You will need one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce.
How much Italian seasoning should I use?
The recipe recommends 3 to 4 teaspoons, or up to 1 tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning based on your preference.
Should the sauce be covered while simmering?
No, the sauce should be simmered uncovered to allow it to thicken properly.
How often should I stir the sauce during the simmering process?
You should stir the sauce occasionally to ensure it does not stick to the bottom of the pan and to help the flavors meld.
What should I do if the garlic starts to burn?
It is important to stir the garlic frequently and only sauté it for about 2 minutes to prevent it from burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
Is this sauce freezable?
Yes, this pizza sauce is freezable and can be stored in plastic containers for later use.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to your taste at the end of the cooking process.
How much oregano should I add?
Add between 2 to 4 teaspoons of oregano depending on your taste preference.
Can I use black pepper in this sauce?
Yes, black pepper can be added to taste as an optional ingredient.
What is the first step in making this sauce?
The first step is to heat 3-4 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
When do I add the herbs to the sauce?
Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and oregano after the onions are tender, cooking for one minute to release their aromas.
How do I know when the sauce is done?
The sauce is done after it has simmered for at least 30 minutes and reached your desired thickness and flavor profile.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving size is not provided, but the recipe uses one 28-ounce can of tomatoes as its base.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, with only 10 ingredients and straightforward sautéing and simmering steps, it is considered an easy recipe.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 10 main ingredients: oil, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar.
Should the onions be finely chopped?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one medium onion that has been finely chopped for the best texture.