I like a thicker sauce with a lot of flavors that complement flavor-dense toppings of Italian sausage, aged pepperoni, and/or a sharp cheese. I've never been a fan of the thin, uncooked, non-seasoned tomato-only sauce.
I like sauces simmered for 2-3 hours, then refrigerated overnight, though it can be used as soon as it finishes cooking.
My Favorite Easy Pizza Sauce:
15 oz can diced tomatoes.
6 oz can tomato paste.
4 oz red wine.
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine.
1/2 small onion, chopped fine.
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1/2 Tbs salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper or red pepper flakes
(optional) 1/2 tsp baking soda to neutralize some of the tomato acid if anyone has a sensitive stomach. Add the baking soda and stir until the foaming goes away. Careful not to add too much or the sauce will taste extremely flat.)
Mix all ingredients in a 4 qt saucepan, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, turn heat to lowest setting, and stir every 20-30 minutes to prevent burning on the bottom. Simmer for 2-3 hours. If any watery liquid remains, simmer uncovered until gone. The flavors develop more if the sauce is refrigerated overnight.
Here is the same recipe using powdered pantry ingredients.
15 oz can diced tomatoes.
6 oz can tomato paste.
4 oz red wine.
1 Tbs garlic salt
1 Tbs onion powder
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp ground black pepper or red pepper flakes
(optional baking soda)
Treat the same as above.
I have other mental recipes that use different seasonings instead of the Italian seasoning. Dried basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary for example, roughly about a tsp each. I've yet to tattoo volume measurements on the palm of my hand. Fresh herbs are even better, but once again, I eyeball. I don't measure.
Pizza On!
Ray