New York–New Jersey Tomato Sauce

Indulging in a delicious homemade pizza is a treat for the senses, from the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked crust to the burst of flavors in every bite. If you’re ready to embark on a culinary journey and create your own perfect pizza, we’ve got just the recipe for you. With a tantalizing blend of tomatoes and aromatic spices, this pizza sauce recipe promises to elevate your pizza-making game to new heights. Handcrafted with love, this sauce strikes the perfect balance between tangy and savory, ensuring an explosion of taste in every mouthful.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4.5 ounces (120 grams/½ cup) ground tomatoes, preferably 7/11 or DiNapoli
• 2.2 ounces (65 grams/¼ cup) tomato paste, preferably Contadina or SuperDolce
• Pinch of dried oregano
• Pinch of fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 ounces (55 grams/¼ cup) hand-crushed tomatoes (from 4 to 5 whole peeled plum or pear tomatoes, preferably Valoroso or DiNapoli; see box below)

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a bowl, combine the ground tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and olive oil.
2. Puree the mixture with an immersion blender until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a stand blender will work just fine.
3. Stir in the hand-crushed tomatoes to add texture and depth to the sauce.
4. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt according to your preference, as different tomato products contain varying levels of saltiness.
5. This recipe yields 1 cup (245 grams) of sauce, sufficient for two pizzas. However, if you plan to make only one pizza with sauce and the other without, you’ll need only half the sauce. You can store the extra sauce in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for up to a month.

YIELD:

• 1 cup (245 grams) of pizza sauce

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• For a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender or a stand blender to puree the ingredients to perfection.
• Hand-crushed tomatoes add a rustic touch to the sauce, enhancing its flavor and texture.
• Store any unused sauce in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and taste.

TIPS:

1. Experiment with different tomato brands to find the one that suits your taste preferences best.
2. Customize the sauce by adding your favorite herbs and spices, such as basil, garlic, or red pepper flakes.
3. For a sweeter profile, add a pinch of sugar or honey to the sauce.
4. Make a big batch of sauce and freeze it in smaller portions for quick and easy pizza nights.

Creating the perfect pizza sauce is an art that elevates the overall pizza experience. This recipe’s combination of ground tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and olive oil strikes the right balance, resulting in a luscious sauce that enhances the flavors of your favorite pizza toppings. Hand-crushed tomatoes add a delightful touch of authenticity, making your homemade pizza rival those from your favorite pizzerias.

The beauty of this sauce lies in its versatility. While it’s perfect for classic Margherita or Neapolitan-style pizzas, don’t be afraid to experiment and let your creativity shine. Add roasted garlic for an earthy undertone, toss in some fresh basil for a burst of herbaceousness, or amp up the heat with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless, and this sauce serves as an excellent canvas for your culinary imagination.

Homemade pizza nights are not just about enjoying the final product but also about the joy of crafting something unique for your loved ones. Gather around the kitchen and involve your family and friends in the pizza-making process. Let them experience the delight of spreading this sauce over the dough, layering it with cheese, and adding their favorite toppings. The result? A scrumptious, made-with-love pizza that brings smiles to everyone’s faces.

As you embark on this pizza adventure, remember that practice makes perfect. Each time you make this sauce, you’ll discover new nuances and tweaks to tailor it to your liking. Adjust the seasoning, try different tomatoes, and fine-tune the consistency to create a sauce that truly reflects your taste preferences.

Crafting a delectable pizza sauce is an essential step toward achieving pizza perfection. With its tantalizing flavors and ease of preparation, this recipe is a stepping stone towards mastering the art of homemade pizza making. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a pizza party, this sauce will undoubtedly be the star of the show, making your pizza creations unforgettable. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the world of homemade pizza with this exceptional sauce recipe.