San Marzano Pizza Sauce
If you’re a pizza lover, then you know that a great pizza sauce can elevate your homemade pie from good to extraordinary. Enter San Marzano Pizza Sauce, a simple yet flavorful sauce that captures the essence of authentic Italian cooking. Made with the highest quality San Marzano tomatoes, this sauce offers a rich, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of toppings. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will transform your pizza nights and make you feel like a true pizzaiolo in your own kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of this San Marzano Pizza Sauce lies in its simplicity. Using just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create a sauce that is bursting with flavor and authenticity. San Marzano tomatoes are known for their low acidity and sweet flavor, making them the perfect base for a pizza sauce. The addition of garlic and oregano enhances the sauce, bringing out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes while delivering a fragrant, savory profile. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also allows the natural flavors to shine through, making it a must-have for any pizza enthusiast.
What’s in the Bowl
To create your delicious San Marzano Pizza Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 small garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in ensuring that your sauce is both flavorful and authentic. The San Marzano tomatoes are the star of the show, while the garlic adds a touch of warmth, and the oregano provides a hint of earthiness.
Before You Start: Equipment
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools:
- Medium-sized saucepan: For cooking the sauce.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring and mixing the ingredients.
- Garlic press or knife: For mincing the garlic cloves.
- Blender or immersion blender (optional): For a smoother sauce, if desired.
Having these tools ready will streamline your cooking process, allowing you to focus on creating the perfect San Marzano Pizza Sauce.
San Marzano Pizza Sauce Made Stepwise
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up but not smoke.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Add the 2 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Be careful, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your sauce.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes
Pour in the entire contents of the can of whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes slightly, but don’t overdo it if you prefer a chunkier sauce.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Sprinkle in the 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and the 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Blend (Optional)
If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a blender or an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency. Be cautious when blending hot liquids to avoid splatters.
Step 7: Cool and Store
Once the sauce is finished cooking, allow it to cool slightly before using it on your pizza or transferring it to an airtight container for storage.
Health-Conscious Tweaks
Making adjustments to suit your health goals? Consider these options for your San Marzano Pizza Sauce:
- Reduce the salt: Use less sea salt or omit it entirely for a lower sodium version.
- Fresh herbs: Substitute dried oregano with fresh oregano for added nutrients and flavor.
- Low-fat olive oil: If you’re watching your fat intake, you can use a smaller amount of olive oil or replace it with a cooking spray.
These tweaks will help you enjoy your pizza while aligning with your dietary preferences.
Cook’s Notes
The San Marzano Pizza Sauce can be adjusted to your taste. Feel free to add other herbs like basil or thyme for a unique flavor profile. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add the perfect kick!
- Use fresh San Marzano tomatoes when in season for an even fresher flavor.
- This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
The San Marzano Pizza Sauce is perfect for meal prep. Make a large batch and store it for later use. Here are some storage tips:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Pour into ice cube trays for single servings or store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw as needed.
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned San Marzano tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! However, make sure to peel and seed them first, and you may need to adjust the cooking time to allow for proper flavor development.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the cooking process to give your San Marzano Pizza Sauce some heat.
Can I use this sauce for other dishes besides pizza?
Absolutely! This versatile sauce can be used for pasta, lasagna, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. Its rich flavor enhances many dishes.
How do I know when the sauce is done cooking?
The sauce is done when it has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together, usually after about 15-20 minutes of simmering.
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have the recipe for San Marzano Pizza Sauce, it’s time to roll out your pizza dough and create a masterpiece! Whether you’re hosting a pizza night with friends or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this sauce will undoubtedly impress. Remember, the key to a great pizza lies in the quality of the ingredients, so don’t skimp on the San Marzano tomatoes. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious slice!
San Marzano Pizza Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up but not smoke.
- Add the 2 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the entire contents of the can of whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes slightly.
- Sprinkle in the 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and the 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a blender or an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Once the sauce is finished cooking, allow it to cool slightly before using it on your pizza or transferring it to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
- Use fresh San Marzano tomatoes when in season for an even fresher flavor.
- This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for easy future use.
