pizza · red sauce · Sep 05, 2023

Crafting the Perfect Traditional Italian Pizza Sauce: A Taste of Italy

When it comes to pizza, the heart of the dish lies in its sauce. Traditional Italian pizza sauce is a simple yet incredibly flavourful concoction that forms the base of every iconic Italian pie. Made with a few essential ingredients, this sauce captures the essence of Italy and enhances the entire pizza experience. Let's discover the secrets of making the perfect traditional Italian pizza sauce.

Here's what you'll need:

San Marzano Tomatoes: These plum-shaped tomatoes are renowned for their sweet, less acidic flavour. If you cannot find San Marzano tomatoes, use the best-quality canned whole tomatoes you can find.

Olive Oil: Choose a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for a rich, fruity flavour.

Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, minced or thinly sliced, will infuse the sauce with a delightful aroma.

Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant and herbaceous note to the sauce.

Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavours and helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Sugar: A small amount of sugar (usually around a teaspoon) can be added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, if needed.

Let's explore the step-by-step process of creating traditional Italian pizza sauce:

Prepare the Tomatoes:

If using whole canned San Marzano tomatoes, pour them into a bowl. Crush the tomatoes with your hands or use a potato masher to break them down into smaller pieces. Leave the sauce slightly chunky for texture.

Sauté the Garlic:

In a saucepan, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced or sliced garlic and sauté gently until it becomes fragrant and just starts to turn golden. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can become bitter.

Add the Tomatoes:

Carefully pour the crushed tomatoes into the saucepan with the sautéed garlic. Stir to combine.

Season and Simmer:

Tear the fresh basil leaves and add them to the saucepan.

Sprinkle in a pinch of salt, and if the sauce tastes overly acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavours. Stir the sauce well to incorporate all the ingredients.

Simmer to Perfection:

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for approximately 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavours to meld together.

Cool and Use:

Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before using it as a base for your pizza. It's ready to spread over your pizza dough and top with your favourite ingredients.

Traditional Italian pizza sauce is the soul of an authentic Italian pizza. Crafting it from scratch using the freshest ingredients elevates your pizza to an entirely new level of deliciousness. With this simple recipe, you can capture the essence of Italy in every bite, making your homemade pizzas an irresistible culinary experience. So, next time you are making pizza, take the time to prepare this traditional sauce, and savour the taste of Italy in your own kitchen.

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