Homemade Pizza Sauce Without Tomato Paste

When it comes to pizza, the sauce can make or break the experience. As a self-proclaimed food enthusiast, I’ve tried more variations of pizza than I can count. But let me tell you—the right sauce can elevate even the simplest toppings to new heights.

Today, I want to share my favorite recipe for a homemade pizza sauce that doesn’t rely on tomato paste. This sauce is not just easy to whip up; it’s bursting with flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. So, grab your apron and let’s get started!

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What is Homemade Pizza Sauce Without Tomato Paste?

Homemade pizza sauce without tomato paste is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that offer a vibrant, rich flavor profile. Many people automatically turn to tomato paste when making pizza sauce, but skipping it can breathe fresh life into your pie. By using high-quality canned tomatoes and a medley of herbs and seasonings, you can create a sauce that sings with authenticity. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll never go back to that store-bought stuff again.

The Ingredients

To create this magical sauce, you won’t need much. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: This will add a rich base to the sauce.
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar: Just a splash to deepen the tomato flavor, believe me, it’s worth it!
¾ teaspoon kosher salt: Adjust to your taste.
3 fresh basil leaves: Thinly sliced into ribbons, basil is a must for that fresh aroma.
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: This gives your sauce a warm kick without overwhelming the flavors.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Lightly crushed to release those lovely oils.
2 teaspoons finely minced garlic: Fresh is always better; it adds depth to the sauce.
1 (28-ounce can) Mutti finely chopped tomatoes: You can also use high-quality crushed canned tomatoes. Quality matters!

How to Make Homemade Pizza Sauce Without Tomato Paste

This part is a breeze. You’re basically just combining some wonderful ingredients to create magic in a bowl. Let’s dive right into the steps.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients in one place. It makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. You can prep your garlic, slice your basil, and have the canned tomatoes ready to go.

Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil

In a medium saucepan, warm your extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to gently sauté the garlic but not so hot that it smokes. Keep an eye on it!

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Once the oil is shimmering, add your minced garlic. Sauté it gently for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant. It should smell heavenly but make sure it doesn’t burn. Burnt garlic can turn a beautiful sauce into something bitter.

Step 4: Introduce the Tomatoes

Now, add the can of finely chopped tomatoes to the saucepan. Use a wooden spoon to mix everything together, allowing the oil and garlic to blend with the tomatoes.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Toss in the kosher salt, balsamic vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried oregano. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

After simmering, remove the sauce from heat. Stir in those lovely ribbons of fresh basil. This step adds a fresh burst of flavor that complements the tomatoes brilliantly.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Give the sauce a taste. Do you need more salt? A pinch of sugar? Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Step 8: Cool and Use

Let the sauce cool slightly before using it as a base for your favorite pizza. You can also store it for later.

Notes

Here are a few tips for making this delectable sauce:

Use Quality Ingredients: Your tomatoes should be the best you can find. It really makes a difference.

Change It Up: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or parsley for variety.

Experiment with Spice Levels: Add more crushed red pepper if you like it hot!

Don’t Rush the Simmering: Patience is key! Letting it simmer enhances the flavor.

Use Right Away or Store: Use the sauce fresh for pizza or store for later use. It tastes just as great reheated!

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure it’s cool before sealing it!

Freezing: You can freeze this sauce for up to three months. Just portion it into freezer bags or containers for easy thawing later.

Reheating: When you’re ready to use the frozen sauce, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. It can also be reheated directly in a saucepan.

Nutrition Information

One serving (about ¼ cup) of this homemade pizza sauce contains approximately:

These values might vary based on your specific ingredients and serving sizes. Always check your products for accurate nutrition info.

Serving Suggestions

Here are five delightful ways to enjoy your homemade pizza sauce:

Classic Margherita Pizza: Slather this sauce on a thin crust, add fresh mozzarella and basil, and bake until bubbly. Keep it simple for maximum flavor.

Veggie Supreme: Use the sauce as a base for a loaded veggie pizza. Think bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, and spinach. It’s vibrant and heart-healthy!

Calzone Filling: Spread the sauce inside your calzone along with your favorite fillings. It adds a delightful burst of flavor with every bite.

Dip for Breadsticks: Use this sauce as a zesty dip for garlic breadsticks or pizza bites. It’s a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.

Pasta Sauce Alternative: Don’t limit this sauce to just pizza! Use it over cooked pasta for an easy, delicious weeknight dinner. Add some veggies or protein, and you’ve got a winner.

What Other Substitute Can I Use in Homemade Pizza Sauce Without Tomato Paste?

If you find yourself without canned tomatoes, here are five excellent substitutes you can consider:

Fresh Tomatoes: Use ripe, fresh tomatoes instead. Just chop them and simmer until they break down. You’ll achieve a lovely fresh taste.

Crushed Tomatoes: If you have crushed tomatoes on hand, no problem! They can serve as an excellent foundation for your sauce.

Tomato Sauce: This is an easy swap and will work fine. It might be slightly thinner, but it can still deliver great flavor.

Roasted Red Peppers: For a different take, blend roasted red peppers with herbs and a bit of garlic for a unique sauce that’s great on pizza.

Jarred Spaghetti Sauce: In a pinch, this can work. Just be cautious of the additional flavors and seasonings, as they might alter your sauce.

Pamela Dunlap

Homemade Pizza Sauce Without Tomato Paste

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 0

Total Time 5

Servings: 16

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 9

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
3 fresh basil leaves
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
1 28-ounce can Mutti finely chopped tomatoes

Equipment

Bowl, measuring spoon, spatula

Method

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients in one place. It makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. You can prep your garlic, slice your basil, and have the canned tomatoes ready to go.

Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil

In a medium saucepan, warm your extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to gently sauté the garlic but not so hot that it smokes. Keep an eye on it!

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Once the oil is shimmering, add your minced garlic. Sauté it gently for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant. It should smell heavenly but make sure it doesn’t burn. Burnt garlic can turn a beautiful sauce into something bitter.

Step 4: Introduce the Tomatoes

Now, add the can of finely chopped tomatoes to the saucepan. Use a wooden spoon to mix everything together, allowing the oil and garlic to blend with the tomatoes.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Toss in the kosher salt, balsamic vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried oregano. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

After simmering, remove the sauce from heat. Stir in those lovely ribbons of fresh basil. This step adds a fresh burst of flavor that complements the tomatoes brilliantly.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Give the sauce a taste. Do you need more salt? A pinch of sugar? Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Step 8: Cool and Use

Let the sauce cool slightly before using it as a base for your favorite pizza. You can also store it for later.

Nutrition

Calories: 9kcalCarbohydrates: 1gFat: 0.8gSaturated Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 127mgVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 5mg

Notes

Here are a few tips for making this delectable sauce:

Use Quality Ingredients: Your tomatoes should be the best you can find. It really makes a difference.

Change It Up: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or parsley for variety.

Experiment with Spice Levels: Add more crushed red pepper if you like it hot!

Don’t Rush the Simmering: Patience is key! Letting it simmer enhances the flavor.

Use Right Away or Store: Use the sauce fresh for pizza or store for later use. It tastes just as great reheated!

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs will give your sauce an exceptional flavor. Just remember to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried ones.

2. How long can I keep this sauce in the refrigerator?

You can safely store the sauce in your refrigerator for up to one week. Just be sure it’s in an airtight container.

3. Is this sauce suitable for canning?

While this sauce is delicious, it’s not tested for safe canning practices. If you want to can sauces, it’s best to stick to tested recipes designed for that purpose.

4. Can I add meat to the sauce?

Of course! You can brown ground beef or sausage in the pan before adding the tomatoes to create a meat sauce. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

5. How do I know if my sauce is too thick?

If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little bit of water or broth until you reach your desired consistency. Just add small amounts gradually to avoid overdoing it.

Conclusion

Making homemade pizza sauce without tomato paste is a fun and satisfying process. It allows you to control the ingredients, and trust me, nothing beats the aroma of fresh garlic and herbs wafting through your kitchen.

Use this sauce on your favorite pizza, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Cooking is all about exploration and finding what satisfies your taste. I hope this recipe adds a little joy to your culinary adventures just as it has for me. Happy cooking!