I've been trying to get a few things made and in the freezer so we have quick meals when the baby girl arrives. Trying being the key word. So far I have two bags of chili, two enchilada casseroles, three pizza crusts and 10 bags of pizza sauce. So, maybe I went a little overboard on the pizza sauce. But, its the best homemade pizza sauce you'll ever find. This sauce is thick, without being chunky, and the spices, garlic and onion meld to make an unbelievably rich and tasty sauce. I know I won't regret having extra on hand.
This sauce freezes well and can pulled out of the freezer in the morning and put in the fridge to thaw. Or you can stick it in a bowl of hot water for 10 minutes, for a quick de-thaw. I freeze the sauce in one cup portions, which is the perfect amount for one 12-inch pizza. No matter how you de-thaw it, it makes for a quick week night meal when paired with a super easy pizza dough I will be posting soon.
This recipe doubles, triples, quadruples (you get the point) easily. So, make some extra to have for those weeknights when you just don't have the energy to cook...which is basically everyday for me right now!
Basic Pizza Sauce
Adapted from Cooks Illustrated
Makes about 2 1/2 cups, enough for 2 - 12" pizzas
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup onion, grated
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, oregano and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft and just starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add tomatoes and sugar, bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Sauce should be reduced to about 2 1/2 cups at this point.
Remove sauce from heat and stir in basil and olive oil. Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Use immediately on a pizza, or allow to cool completely and freeze for up to two months. Either way, you are going to love it when you...
EAT IT!!
Love homemade pizza. It's like...the best.
ReplyDeleteI so wish I was there to bring by a casserole or twelve. Cooking for new baby families is my favorite...and you guys are my favorites too!
ReplyDeleteNothing beats delicious homemade sauce :)
ReplyDeleteCheers
Choc Chip Uru
I have never made pizza sauce before but I've been wanting to learn - now I can! Thank you go much. I google +'ed it and I hope to pin it as well!
ReplyDeleteI never can get my sauce thick enough. This looks good!
ReplyDeleteMaggie, I didn't know that you were expecting. Congrats!!!!! I love this pizza sauce. When ever I make sauce or stock, I always make extras for the freezer. I hope you're feeling well and congrats again!
ReplyDeleteMaggie, you may have had that precious baby or still be impatiently waiting - or in the thoes of labor at this moment but I just have to tell you that I made this today and I am so happy! It turned out perfectly and I also made another first (pizza dough) today. It was so good - my husband ate 3 pieces! I only had one but I'm on that diet right now. If you can answer, would you mind if I posted my pizza to my blog tomorrow and of course link the sauce recipe right back to you. I took my own pictures as I did it, but the link will hopefully get you lots of traffic - well, lots considering how many readers I have! Please let me know. You will get credit leading directly to your site - and I get a GOLD STAR!! :)
ReplyDeleteMaggie, I havent had time to check up on the blog in awhile and I was hoping to come and see some good news about the birth of your little girl! Hope you're feeling well and I cannot wait to hear all about the little one who should be here any moment!!
ReplyDeleteWe ate so much take out and frozen meals when Layla was born. Wish I had this sauce on hand! Looks delicious.
good idea to get stuff into the freezer before the much anticipated arrival. such presence of mind you have, i'm impressed! not to mention the sauce looks delish!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great idea.
ReplyDeleteThat pizza is making my mouth water, and I've already had lunch! Hope you're doing well and that your family has a great Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteI just made some more of this and made deep dish pizza - so good Maggie! I hope you move is going or has gone well. Miss your posts!
ReplyDelete