Pizza Tomato Sauce Recipe with Fresh Tomatoes – Elevate Your Pizza Experience

When it comes to making homemade pizza sauce with fresh tomatoes, can make a world of difference. Here are some key benefits.

• Richer Flavor: Fresh tomatoes provide a vibrant, tangy flavor that canned sauces often lack. The natural sweetness and acidity of fresh tomatoes add depth to your sauce.
• Healthier Option: By making your own homemade sauce, you avoid the preservatives, added sugars, and high sodium content commonly found in store-bought sauces. It’s a wholesome choice for health-conscious pizza lovers.
• Customizable Taste: With fresh tomatoes, you have the flexibility to adjust the seasoning and consistency of your sauce to suit your personal preferences. You can experiment with different herbs and spices to create a sauce that complements your favorite toppings perfectly.

Preparation Steps

1. Choosing and Preparing Tomatoes

Start with selecting the ripest tomatoes available. Roma or San Marzano varieties are preferred for their meaty texture and rich flavor.

• Washing: Rinse the tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or residues.

2. Blanching and Peeling Tomatoes

Blanching helps in easily removing the skins of tomatoes and enhances the sauce’s texture.

• Boiling Water Bath: Heat a large pot of water until it reaches a boil, and prepare a bowl of ice water alongside it.
• Scoring and Blanching: Cut a small ‘X’ on the bottom of each tomato. Wisely place them in the boiling water for (about 30-60 seconds), or until the skins start to undo.
• Ice Bath: Submerge the blanched tomatoes in the ice water bath to quickly cool them and stop the cooking process.
• Peeling: Once cooled, peel off the skins starting from the scored ‘X’. The skins should easily come off.

3. Removing Seeds (Optional)

While not necessary, removing the seeds can help create a smoother sauce.

• Cutting and Squeezing: Cut the peeled tomatoes in half horizontally. Gently squeeze each half over a bowl to remove the seeds and excess juice.

4. Cooking the Sauce

Now, it’s time to turn these fresh tomatoes into a flavorful pizza sauce.

 Sauteing Aromatics

• Heat Olive Oil: In a big pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil on middle heat.
• Sauté Garlic and Onion: Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion to the heated oil. Cook until the onions turn shining and the garlic converts fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

 Adding Tomatoes and Seasoning

• Prepare Tomatoes: Chop the blanched and peeled tomatoes into small pieces.
• Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced tomatoes to the pan with the cooked garlic and onion.
• Seasoning: Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar if desired. Stir well to combine.

 Simmering to Perfection

• Bring to Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
• Cooking Time: Let the sauce bubble open for 30-45 minutes, stirring sometimes. This helps the flavors mix together and the sauce to set.
• Herbs: Add fresh basil and oregano (or dried herbs if using) during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning to taste.

5. Blending (Optional)

For a smoother sauce consistency, you can blend the sauce.

• Cooling: Allow the sauce to cool slightly before blending to avoid splatters.
• Blending: You can blend the sauce directly in the saucepan using an immersion blender, or if you prefer, transfer it in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth.

6. Adjusting Seasoning

Taste the sauce and correct the flavor according to your liking. Consider adding more salt, pepper, or herbs for a flavor boost.

7. Cooling and Storing

• Cool Completely: Allow the sauce to cool completely before using or storing.
• Storage: Store the cooled sauce in clean, airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 1 week or frozen for longer storage. Remember to leave some headspace in containers when freezing as the sauce will expand.

Making pizza sauce from fresh tomatoes is not only rewarding but also allows you to control the quality and flavor of your pizza. By following these detailed steps, you can create a sauce that enhances your homemade pizzas with its vibrant taste and wholesome ingredients.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

 While fresh tomatoes are preferred for their vibrant flavor, you can substitute with high-quality canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. Opt for whole tomatoes and adjust seasoning accordingly.

• How long can I store homemade pizza sauce?

Homemade pizza sauce can be stock in the refrigerator (for 1 week) in a sealed container. For longer storage, freeze the sauce (for 3 months). Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

• Can I skip blanching and peeling the tomatoes?

Blanching and peeling tomatoes helps achieve a smoother sauce texture. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip this step, but the sauce may have bits of tomato skin.

• What can I do if my sauce is too acidic?

If your sauce turns out too acidic, add a pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acidity. Taste and adjust seasonings accordingly.

• How can I make the sauce spicier?

 To add heat to your pizza sauce, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili peppers during the sautéing step. Modify the amount based on your spice liking.