Kittencal's Pizza Sauce

Kittencal's Pizza Sauce: A Simple Recipe for Homemade Deliciousness

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious, homemade meals can feel like a Herculean task. But sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most rewarding. This Kittencal's Pizza Sauce is a perfect example. It requires minimal ingredients, and the cooking time is flexible, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend pizza party.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking, using more or less oregano, Italian seasoning, or even adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. I often experiment with different herbs and spices, depending on what I have on hand. Sometimes, I’ll add a dash of balsamic vinegar for a deeper, more complex flavor. The possibilities are endless!

What truly sets this sauce apart, in my opinion, is the simmering process. Allowing the sauce to simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, or even longer, develops a rich, deep flavor that you simply won't find in store-bought sauces. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together, creating a beautifully balanced taste. The texture also thickens beautifully with time, providing the perfect consistency for your pizza.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility. It’s not just limited to pizza. It’s also wonderful as a pasta sauce, a base for shakshuka, or even a dipping sauce for crusty bread. I often double the recipe, so I have plenty on hand to use throughout the week. It freezes wonderfully too, which means you can always have a batch ready to go in your freezer, ready to be thawed and used whenever a pizza craving hits.

This isn't just a pizza sauce; it's a testament to the magic of simple ingredients and slow cooking. The aroma that fills your kitchen while the sauce simmers is divine, promising a delicious meal that's both comforting and satisfying. And the best part? It's so easy, even the kids can help with the simple chopping and stirring.

So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to elevate your pizza nights, or simply want a delicious homemade sauce that’s versatile and flavorful, give Kittencal's Pizza Sauce a try. You won't be disappointed! I promise this simple recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Sweet and savory: A teaspoon of brown sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Fresh herbs: Experiment with adding fresh basil or parsley at the end of cooking.
• Roasted vegetables: Add roasted bell peppers or onions for a deeper flavor.
• Meat lovers: Stir in some cooked sausage or ground beef for a heartier sauce.

Making this sauce is a small act of self-care, a way to connect with food on a more personal level. It’s about slowing down, savoring the process, and enjoying the delicious results. The time spent simmering this sauce is an investment in flavor, a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, slow cooking, and a touch of love can create something truly extraordinary.

Step-by-step

• In a saucepan, heat the olive oil; saute the onions, Italian seasoning and oregano for about 2-3 minutes, stirring until soft but not brown.
• Add in garlic and saute for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Add in the tomato paste; stir and cook 1 minute.
• Add in the remaining ingredients; cook and simmer on low heat for 1/2 to 3/4 hours, stirring occasionally, adding more salt if needed (the longer you cook this sauce the thicker and richer it will be!).
• Cool slightly and use immediately or refrigerate up to 5 days or you may freeze.
• NOTE: Freeze in plastic containers after cooled. I find that this sauce tastes even better if left in the fridge overnight to blend the flavors before using or freezing.