pizza sauce san marzano recipe

The Best pizza sauce san marzano recipe

I have been making pizza at home for years and I have tried every kind of sauce out there. But nothing beats a simple pizza sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes. These tomatoes come from a specific region in Italy and they have a sweet, rich flavor that makes any pizza taste like it came from a real pizzeria. My kids used to ask for takeout pizza all the time, but now they ask me to make this sauce instead.

This recipe is so easy to put together. You just need a can of whole San Marzano tomatoes, some garlic, olive oil, salt, and a little bit of sugar if you want to balance the acidity. I like to crush the tomatoes by hand because it gives the sauce a nice chunky texture. Then I simmer it with garlic and oil for about 30 minutes until it thickens up.

The smell in the kitchen is amazing and my family always comes running when they smell it cooking. One of the best things about this sauce is how healthy it is. San Marzano tomatoes are packed with lycopene, which is good for your heart and skin. And since you are making it from scratch, you control how much salt and sugar goes in.

No preservatives or weird ingredients like you get in store bought jars. I feel good serving this to my family because I know exactly what is in it. This pizza sauce works for any occasion. If we are having a pizza night on a Friday, I make a double batch and freeze half for later.

It also makes a great quick dinner when we have friends over. I just set out some dough and let everyone top their own pizza. The sauce is the star and everyone always asks for the recipe. It is simple, honest food that brings people together.

Simple San Marzano Pizza Sauce

4.7 from 1721 votes

A classic pizza sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes. This sauce is sweet, rich, and perfect for homemade pizza.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 90 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

1 can (28 oz) whole San Marzano tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Open the can of San Marzano tomatoes and pour them into a large bowl.
2Use your hands to crush the tomatoes into small pieces.
3Be careful because the juice can splash.
4You want a chunky sauce, so do not over crush them.
5Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it is fragrant.
7Stir constantly so the garlic does not burn.
8You will know it is ready when you can smell the garlic strongly.
9Add the crushed tomatoes and their juice to the skillet.
10Stir in the salt, sugar if using, and dried oregano if using.
11Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
12You should see small bubbles around the edges of the pan.
13Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes.
14Stir it every 5 minutes to prevent sticking.
15The sauce is done when it has thickened and reduced by about one third.
16It should look darker and richer than when you started.
17Taste the sauce and adjust the salt or sugar if needed.
18Let it cool slightly before using it on your pizza.
19You can store any leftover sauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or saucepan
Wooden spoon
Can opener
Measuring spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 90 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 7g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender after cooking. If you want a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. Always use whole San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor.

Watch Video Of How Simple San Marzano Pizza Sauce Works

This San Marzano pizza sauce is always a good idea for any occasion. It is simple to make and tastes so much better than anything from a jar.

My family loves it and I love that I can control the ingredients. It works well for family gatherings because you can make a big batch ahead of time and everyone can build their own pizza.

Just store any leftover sauce in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for later. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Serve it on homemade pizza, as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, or even over pasta. This sauce is a staple in my kitchen and I think it will become one in yours too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About San Marzano Pizza Sauce

1. Can I use regular canned tomatoes instead of San Marzano?

Yes, you can use any whole canned tomatoes. But San Marzano tomatoes have a sweeter, less acidic taste that makes the sauce better. If you use regular tomatoes, you might need to add a little more sugar to balance the acidity.

2. Do I need to peel the tomatoes first?

No, you do not need to peel them. San Marzano tomatoes have thin skins that break down during cooking. If you want a very smooth sauce, you can run it through a food mill after cooking, but I like the texture of the skins.

3. How long does this sauce keep in the fridge?

This sauce will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just let it cool completely before storing.

4. Can I use this sauce for pasta too?

Absolutely. This sauce works great on pasta as a simple marinara. Just add a little more olive oil and some fresh basil at the end. It is a versatile sauce that goes beyond pizza.

5. Why does my sauce taste bitter?

Bitterness usually comes from burning the garlic. Make sure to cook the garlic on medium heat and only for about a minute. If the garlic turns brown, it will taste bitter. Also, do not add too much dried oregano as it can become bitter during simmering.

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