Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched kitchens of Italy with this mouthwatering Salsa Pizzaiola! This isn't just another tomato sauce - it's a culinary magic potion that will elevate every dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Imagine a rich, vibrant sauce bursting with the intense flavors of ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs that will make your family and friends believe you've secretly trained in a Tuscan kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by measuring them out precisely. Mince the garlic cloves finely, ensuring uniform small pieces for even flavor distribution.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes slightly shimmering but not smoking.
- Add the minced garlic to the heated olive oil. Sauté the garlic gently, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until it becomes fragrant and turns a light golden color, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes into the pan with the garlic. Stir thoroughly to combine and incorporate the garlic evenly throughout the sauce.
- Sprinkle the dried oregano into the sauce, stirring to distribute the herb. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow the sauce to reduce and thicken for approximately 25-30 minutes, which will concentrate the flavors.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary. The sauce should have a rich, robust tomato flavor with a subtle garlic undertone.
- Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove from heat. Let it rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the top of the sauce as a garnish, adding a bright, aromatic finish.
- Serve hot as a pasta sauce, pizza topping, or with your preferred Italian dishes. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Quality Matters: Use high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for the best flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are ideal if you can find them.
- Garlic Technique: Mince garlic finely and avoid burning it - golden color is your goal for maximum flavor without bitterness.
- Low and Slow: Simmering the sauce on low heat allows flavors to develop and concentrate, creating a deeper, more complex taste.
- Fresh Herb Finish: Always add fresh basil at the end to preserve its bright, aromatic qualities.
- Versatility Hack: This sauce isn't just for pasta - use it as a pizza base, dipping sauce, or even as a braising liquid for meats.
- Storage Tip: The sauce actually improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator, so don't hesitate to make it ahead of time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 117kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
