Fresh Tomato Pizza Sauce

This vibrant, homemade pizza sauce is made entirely from fresh tomatoes—no paste or puree required. It’s simmered with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs to bring out a naturally sweet, tangy flavor that complements any pizza style. Perfect for when you want a clean, fresh-tasting sauce without processed ingredients.

Yields: About 1½ to 2 cups (enough for 2–3 medium pizzas)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4-5 medium ripe tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Blanch the Tomatoes:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
   • Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice water.
   • Cut a small “X” at the bottom of each tomato.
   • Place the tomatoes in the boiling water for 30-60 seconds until the skins start to peel away.
   • Immediately transfer the tomatoes to the ice bath to cool.
2. Peel and Seed the Tomatoes:
   • Once cooled, peel off the tomato skins.
   • Cut the tomatoes in half and remove the seeds. You can do this by gently squeezing the tomatoes or using a spoon.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • Finely chop the peeled and seeded tomatoes.
   • In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
   • Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet.
   • Season with salt, black pepper, sugar (if using), dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   • Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. Blend (Optional):
   • If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency.
6. Cool and Use:
   • Let the sauce cool before spreading it on your pizza dough.
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Enjoy your homemade pizza sauce made with fresh tomatoes!