Quick and Easy Pizza Sauce with Tomato Paste

Creating a delicious homemade pizza sauce doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. With just a few ingredients, including versatile tomato paste, you can whip up a flavorful sauce that will make your homemade pizza taste like it came from a pizzeria.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the tomato paste, olive oil, and water. Mix until smooth and well blended. The olive oil adds richness, while the water helps achieve the desired consistency.

2. Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. These herbs provide a classic Italian flavor, enhancing the tomato paste’s natural taste.

3. Sweeten It Up: Add the sugar to balance the acidity of the tomato paste. Adjust the amount based on your preference for sweetness.

4. Season to Taste: Finally, season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated.

5. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Usage:

• Spread on Dough: Spread the sauce evenly over your prepared pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
• Top It Off: Add your favorite toppings, such as cheese, vegetables, meats, or herbs.
• Bake to Perfection: Bake your pizza according to your dough recipe’s instructions, usually at a high temperature (around 475°F) until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Why Tomato Paste?

Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes, providing an intense tomato flavor without the extra water found in fresh tomatoes or canned tomato sauce. This concentration allows for a rich and robust pizza sauce that clings beautifully to the dough and complements a variety of toppings.

Variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
• Fresh Herbs: Substitute dried herbs with fresh ones for a more vibrant flavor.
• Garlic Lover’s: Increase the amount of garlic for a more pronounced garlicky taste.

With this quick and easy pizza sauce recipe, you can enjoy the satisfaction of making your own pizza sauce at home. The concentrated flavor of tomato paste, combined with aromatic herbs and garlic, creates a delicious foundation for any pizza. Give it a try and elevate your homemade pizza night to new heights!