Discover the essence of Neapolitan pizza with this Napoletana Tomato Sauce recipe. Simplistic yet flavorful, this sauce epitomizes the Neapolitan tradition of using only the finest San Marzano tomatoes and sea salt. The magic of this sauce lies in its thin consistency, allowing the natural flavors of the tomatoes to shine through, harmonizing with the pizza dough perfectly. For those seeking a touch of sweetness and intensity, a dash of high-quality ground tomatoes can be added without breaking the AVPN rules. So, let’s embark on a culinary journey to Naples, as we master the art of making Napoletana Tomato Sauce, the heart and soul of authentic Neapolitan pizza.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 (28-ounce/795-gram) cans San Marzano tomatoes, preferably Strianese
- Fine sea salt
PREPARATIONS:
- Follow the instructions for hand-crushed tomatoes on this page, but leave the cleaned tomatoes in large pieces and save the strained tomato juice in the bowl under the strainer.
- Set up a food mill with a fine screen and place it over a clean bowl.
- Work the tomatoes through the food mill, scraping the bottom of the screen with a rubber spatula when you are done.
- You should have about 1⅓ cups (340 grams) of tomato sauce. Check the thickness; it should be on the thin side.
- If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved juice.
- Season the sauce with a little salt.
- The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
YIELD:
- About 1⅓ cups (340 grams) of sauce, enough for 3 Napoletana pizzas
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Use great San Marzano tomatoes for the best results.
- Adjust the sauce thickness by adding some reserved tomato juice if necessary.
TIPS:
- For a slightly sweeter and more intense sauce, consider adding a small amount of high-quality ground tomatoes.
In our journey to uncover the essence of Neapolitan pizza, we encountered the heart and soul of its flavor—the Napoletana Tomato Sauce. With just two ingredients—San Marzano tomatoes and fine sea salt—this sauce showcases the brilliance of simplicity. An integral part of Neapolitan pizza tradition, this sauce brings out the best in the pizza dough, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that tantalize our taste buds.
The secret to the Napoletana Tomato Sauce lies in the choice of San Marzano tomatoes. Sought after for their rich flavor and low acidity, these tomatoes elevate the sauce to new heights. As we hand-crush and pass them through the food mill, we preserve their essence, ensuring a thin consistency that allows the pizza dough to shine through, beckoning us to indulge in the true essence of Naples.
With utmost ease, the sauce graces your table for multiple pizza feasts. Store it in the refrigerator, ready to be called upon whenever the craving for Neapolitan pizza strikes. Allow the aroma of Napoli’s culinary heritage to fill your home, as the sauce works its magic on each pizza creation.
In the spirit of Neapolitan pizza-making, a final touch awaits you just before baking. A pinch of sea salt sprinkled over the fully assembled pie elevates the flavors to new heights. Savor the symphony of tastes that harmonize in each bite, for the journey of flavors is a culinary delight to be cherished.
As we conclude this exploration of Napoletana Tomato Sauce, let its simplicity and authenticity inspire you to celebrate the art of pizza-making with reverence to Napoli. With each creation, embrace the traditions that have stood the test of time, while adding your unique touch to create pizza masterpieces that carry the legacy of Naples in every slice.
