Hello pizza lovers! Have you ever been in the mood for that perfect slice but felt the store-bought tomato sauce was lacking? Let's embark on a saucy journey with a fresh tomato pizza sauce that’s going to elevate your pizza experience. The beauty? It’s homemade, bursting with flavor, and ensures your pizza is as fresh as it can get. This Easy Homemade Fresh Tomato Pizza Sauce Recipe is one you'll cherish, made with fresh tomatoes and love.
WHAT'S SO GOOD ABOUT THIS RECIPE?
The uniqueness of this homemade pizza sauce recipe lies in the fresh ingredients and simplicity. Fresh tomatoes, as opposed to canned tomatoes, are a great way to impart a vibrancy that is hard to replicate. Combine this with fresh basil, and you’ve got a red sauce that not only offers the best flavor but also transports you to an Italian countryside with every bite.
MARY'S TWO CENTS
A resounding yes! Roma tomatoes are the best tomatoes for the job, and they won't have you diving deep into your pockets. The other simple ingredients - olive oil, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes - are pantry staples, available at the grocery store, ensuring this easy pizza sauce recipe is both wallet-friendly and tasty. This pizza sauce fits perfectly in our cheap category!
INGREDIENTS
For the full recipe with quantities, see the recipe card at the end of this post.
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Fresh Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes have a rich flavor, making them the best tomatoes for a thick sauce. Ripe tomatoes work best!
- Olive Oil: Acts as the perfect base, allowing other ingredients to infuse their flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes: an easy way to add a gentle kick of heat.
- Fresh Basil: The aroma and freshness are unparalleled. Fresh herbs work best.
- Lemon Juice: Beyond adding zest, it ensures the color remains vibrant.
- Black Pepper & Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings to elevate the taste.
SUBSTITUTIONS
- Canned Tomatoes: When fresh tomatoes are out of reach, whole tomatoes in a can come to the rescue.
- Tomato Paste: A spoonful can thicken the sauce, especially if it turns out too watery.
VARIATIONS
- Citric Touch: Add citric acid instead of lemon juice for a tangier taste.
- Sweet and Spicy: Incorporate a teaspoon of sugar and a touch more red pepper flakes.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT
- Medium Saucepan: This is where your tomatoes transform into a delightful sauce.
- Food Processor or Immersion Blender: For achieving that desired consistency, be it smooth or chunky.
- Large Pot of Water: Crucial for the blanching process.
- Saute pan: For cooking the sauce.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Make an "X" on the bottom of each tomato. That is the end opposite the stem end.
Pop them in boiling water for about a minute.
Quickly transfer them to cold water.
The skin will peel right off.
Dice them up or take the easy way out and chop them in your food processor.
In a saucepan, heat that olive oil over medium heat. Add in the red pepper flakes.
Throw in your diced tomatoes. Stir occasionally, letting them simmer and break down.
After 5 minutes, sprinkle in the garlic powder, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix well.
Add the fresh basil and lemon juice.
Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes.
If you prefer a smoother texture, give your sauce a quick blitz with a blender.
Use your homemade pizza sauce and make a pizza! ENJOY
RECIPE FAQ'S
How do I get rid of tomato skins easily? Dunking tomatoes in boiling water followed by cold water makes peeling effortless.
Can I store this in a large bowl? Yes, but ensure it's covered. An airtight container is best for prolonged freshness.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR FRESH TOMATO PIZZA SAUCE
- Pasta Partner:
Sure, this might be the first thing to cross our minds. Toss your sauce over some spaghetti or penne. Sprinkle with some parmesan. Perfect for a 'frugal' or even 'cheap' meal night. - Dip Delight:
Got leftover sauce? No worries. Grab some garlic bread, breadsticks, or even some tortilla chips. Dip and munch. You won’t regret it. - Stuffed Bell Peppers:
Think out of the box. Mix some cooked rice, veggies, and your pizza sauce. Stuff 'em in bell peppers. Bake to perfection. It's like a pizza-pepper fusion! - Pizza-fied Eggs:
Ever tried Shakshuka? It’s an eggs-poached-in-tomato-sauce dish. Now give it a twist! Use your pizza sauce instead. Maybe it's on the 'splurge' side, but oh, so worth it. - Bruschetta with a Twist:
Toast slices of baguette, smear a generous portion of your sauce, top with diced tomatoes, onions, and some basil. A fancy appetizer, but easy on the wallet. - Saucy Meatballs:
Mix some meatballs (beef, chicken, or even veggie). Place them in a baking dish, pour over the pizza sauce, sprinkle cheese, and bake. A warm, 'frugal' delight. - Pizza Soup (Yes, you read that right!):
Turn your sauce into a base for soup. Add in some diced vegetables, maybe some meat or beans, and top with cheese. Serve with crusty bread. - Pizza Quesadilla:
Spread your sauce on a tortilla, sprinkle cheese, and add another tortilla on top. Toast on both sides. Slice. Eat! - Layered Lasagna:
Who said only marinara gets to shine in lasagna? Swap it with your pizza sauce. Layer with cheese, meat, and pasta sheets. I can already smell the goodness. - Pizza-stuffed Chicken or Eggplant:
Either stuff a chicken breast with sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings or layer slices of eggplant with sauce and cheese. Bake and enjoy.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Consistency is Key: Use a food mill or food processor to ensure the tomato purée is just right.
- Cooking: Always cook pizza sauce on medium heat. Slow and steady brings out the flavors.
- Storing: If you’ve made a large batch, store it in an airtight container, ensuring it’s kept at room temperature until it cools down.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Bowl
- wooden spoon
- Saute pan
Ingredients
- 5-6 Fresh Roma tomatoes (about 5-6, depending on size)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 6 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Start by blanching your Roma tomatoes. Make an "X" on the bottom of each and pop them in boiling water for about a minute.
- Quickly transfer them to cold water. The skin will peel right off. Dice them up.
- In a saucepan, heat that olive oil over medium heat. Add in the red pepper flakes. They'll give a slight kick to our sauce!
- Throw in your diced tomatoes. Stir occasionally, letting them simmer and break down.
- After 5 minutes, sprinkle in the garlic powder, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix well.
- Add the fresh basil and lemon juice. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes. The aroma will be heavenly! At this point, you need to taste the sauce and add salt to your own liking. If the sauce is too tart, adding a teaspoon of granulated sugar works wonders.
- Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, give your sauce a quick blitz with a blender. If you're all about the chunks (like me), leave it be!
Nutrition
Mastering this best pizza sauce recipe means you're now armed with the ultimate weapon for pizza nights. Coupled with homemade pizza dough, it’s a winning combination. This isn't just tomato sauce; it's a labor of love, an ode to all things fresh, and proof that the best dishes often come from the simplest ingredients. Your next pizza night will be legendary.
Mina says
I am a fan of homemade pizza and I love making it any time I crave for one. This recipe comes in handy and is super easy to make. Thank you!
Mina says
I am a fan of homemade pizza and I love making it any time I crave for one. This recipe comes in handy and is super easy to make.
Dee says
This is a simple sauce packed with so much flavor. I can put it on just about anything.
nancy says
my picky eater won't eat canned tomato sauce anymore. this one really piqued her interest and she even finished all her dinner
Padma says
We are always on the lookout out for a good pizza sauce. Nothing matches the taste of homemade sauce. Thank you for this recipe.
Marcellina says
With lots of roma tomatoes ripening in the garden, I'm excited to try your recipe! I have never thought of adding a squeeze of lemon juice so I'm looking forward to trying that out.
Nora says
Such a wonderful pizza sauce recipe! Love the combination of red pepper flakes and garlic! Yum!
Cpg says
Delicious sauce- and so much easier than I thought- no more canned sauce for me! Ty
Andréa Janssen says
This homemade fresh pizza sauce was really easy to prepare and got so much flavor. The whole family loved it. Certainly going to make it more often.