New York-Style Pizza Sauce

Why This Recipe Works

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The Best New York-Style Pizza Sauce Recipe brings together classic ingredients and techniques that define the beloved pizza of New York. When you let the sauce simmer, the flavors deepen, creating that irresistible aroma that wafts through the air, reminiscent of a busy pizzeria. There’s something magical about this process; the tomatoes mingle with herbs and spices, enveloping each component in a rich tapestry of flavor. It’s this simple yet effective cooking method that ensures your sauce has that time-honored taste we all crave.

Why You’ll Love This The Best New York-Style Pizza Sauce Recipe

There’s no doubt that this sauce will elevate any pizza night in your home. Packed with robust tomatoes and fresh herbs, each spoonful offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. It’s like taking a bite of New York itself, minus the hustle and bustle—but with all the flavor! Plus, the simplicity of this recipe means anyone can have a go at making it. Feel free to tailor it to your taste, whether you like it spicy or prefer a more traditional sauce. After all, cooking is all about personalizing it to make it your own!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (14 grams) butter
• 2 medium garlic cloves (2 teaspoons minced)
• 1 ½ teaspoons (3 grams) dried oregano
• ⅛ teaspoon (0.25 grams) crushed red pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoons (9 grams) kosher salt
• 14 ounces (370 grams) whole peeled tomatoes
• 6 ounces (170 grams) tomato paste
• ¼ cup (40 grams) finely minced yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons (4 g) chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon (4 g) sugar

The Cooking Process

Heat the Oil and Butter

Start by placing a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Combine the olive oil and butter until it melts and creates a base that’s bursting with flavor. This step sets the stage for everything that follows.

Sauté the Aromatics

Next, it’s time to add in the minced garlic, dried oregano, crushed red pepper, and kosher salt. Stir these aromatic ingredients frequently. You’ll notice that after 2–3 minutes, the kitchen will fill with that delightful smell. It’s like an appetizer for your senses!

Add the Tomatoes and Puree

Now, incorporate the whole peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, yellow onion, fresh basil, and sugar into your pan. Use a hand blender (or food processor) to puree the mixture until it’s smoothly blended. The vibrant red color already signals that you’re on your way to creating something amazing.

Simmer and Reduce

Return the blended sauce to the stove. Crank up the heat to medium until it starts to simmer, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Let it bubble gently for 1 hour. Give it an occasional stir and just watch as it thickens to your liking. That’s when all those layers of flavor will meld beautifully.

Season and Store

After an hour, taste your sauce. You may want to add a pinch more salt for that finishing touch. At this point, you can use it right away or let it cool down. If you choose to store it, pour it into an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for about 2 weeks, ready to grace your future pizza nights.

Tips for Success

• If you have extra time, let the sauce simmer even longer for incredible depth of flavor.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper if you like more heat.
• Always, always taste at the end! Tidying up your seasonings can make a world of difference.

Storage Tips

• Stash any leftover pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it’ll last for up to 2 weeks.
• You can also freeze it in measured portions, so you’ve got an easy pizza night option waiting for you later on.

Variations

• During peak tomato season, feel free to swap in fresh tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
• Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to your sauce for a delightful smoky hint.
• For those who love extra textures, consider mixing in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.

Serving Suggestions

You absolutely can’t go wrong pairing this sauce with homemade pizza crusts or calzones. It’s also fabulous as a dipping sauce for garlic knots! Think about topping your pizza with fresh mozzarella, pepperoni, or your favorite vegetables. The possibilities are endless.

FAQs

1. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze it for later use.

2. Is it possible to make this sauce spicy?
Absolutely! Just increase the amount of crushed red pepper or toss in some fresh chili peppers for a heat boost.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Of course! Just peel and crush fresh tomatoes as a substitute for canned ones in this recipe.

4. What type of tomatoes is best for pizza sauce?
San Marzano tomatoes are a top choice because they offer natural sweetness and low acidity—ideal for a delicious pizza sauce.

5. How can I make this sauce vegetarian/vegan?
The sauce is inherently vegetarian; for a vegan version, simply skip the butter or use a plant-based alternative.

Whipping up this New York-style pizza sauce turns your kitchen into a bustling pizzeria where friends and family can gather to enjoy. Each bite is a celebration of flavors that truly captures the spirit of classic New York pizza. As you immerse yourself in this cooking journey, relish in the flavors that make each pizza night special. Enjoy every spoonful and watch your loved ones savor it just as much!

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