Homemade Pizza Sauce

Homemade Pizza Sauce: A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon

As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the family fed, finding time to cook from scratch feels like a luxury. But let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of making something delicious and knowing exactly what’s going into it. That’s why I’ve developed this simple recipe for homemade pizza sauce – it’s quick, easy, and tastes a million times better than anything you can buy in a jar.

This recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights. It’s incredibly versatile; perfect for pizza nights, pasta sauces, or even as a dipping sauce for crusty bread. The best part? It's ready in minutes, leaving you more time to spend with your family or tackling that never-ending to-do list. I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years, adding a touch of sweetness from maple syrup to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, and a hint of garlic for that signature pizza flavor. The result is a vibrant, flavorful sauce that elevates any pizza to gourmet status. It is important that you only use fresh tomatoes, as they have so much flavor.

I often double this recipe to have some extra on hand for future meals. Freezing portions in ice cube trays is perfect for those busy days when even a quick trip to the grocery store feels overwhelming. Just pop out a few cubes when you need them and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. The flavor doesn’t suffer from freezing and thawing, making this a convenient addition to your freezer inventory. And because it's made from scratch, you know exactly what ingredients are in it – no added preservatives or hidden sugars. It's a healthier, tastier alternative to store-bought sauces and brings a little bit of homemade love to your kitchen, even on the busiest of days.

Forget the processed, mass-produced stuff; this homemade pizza sauce is a simple pleasure that adds a touch of homemade goodness to your life, no matter how hectic things get. Trust me; once you taste it, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!

Ingredients you will need:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 7 ounces tomato paste
• 1 medium tomato, roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or 1/2 teaspoon each parsley, thyme, oregano, and basil)
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup, coconut sugar, or sucanat (or more, to taste)
• Water to thin the sauce (if needed)

Instructions: (These steps will be elaborated upon in the next section)

1. Combine all ingredients except water in a food processor
2. Blend until desired consistency is reached. Don't over-blend if you prefer some chunkiness
3. Add water if needed to thin the sauce.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Herby delight: Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your unique flavor profile.
• Sweet and savory: Adjust the amount of sweetener to your liking.
• Storage: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

This easy homemade pizza sauce recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering a delightful balance of flavor and convenience. Embrace the simple pleasure of homemade goodness, and experience the difference that fresh ingredients make.

Step-by-step

• Place all ingredients except the water in a food processor and blend together.
• I like my sauce to have a little chunkiness from the tomato so I'm careful not to over-blend.
• If needed, add some water to thin the sauce to the consistency you prefer.