Italian Pizza Sauce

A classic, rich, and flavorful tomato sauce perfect for homemade pizzas!

Servings: 2 cups (Enough for 2-3 pizzas)

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Ingredients:

• 1 can (14-16 oz) San Marzano tomatoes (or ripe fresh tomatoes, blended)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes:

   • If using canned tomatoes, crush them with your hands or blend lightly for a smoother texture.
   • If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them in hot water, peel, and blend.

2. Sauté the Garlic:

   • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (avoid browning).

3. Cook the Sauce:

   • Add the crushed tomatoes to the pan.
   • Stir in oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar.

4. Simmer Gently:

   • Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water.

5. Taste & Adjust:

   • Adjust seasoning as needed. If using fresh basil, stir it in at the end for extra aroma.

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Nutritional Values (Per ¼ Cup Serving):

• Calories: ~40 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~5g
• Protein: ~1g
• Fats: ~2g
• Fiber: ~1g
• Sodium: ~200mg

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Serving Suggestions:

✅ Spread over pizza dough before adding toppings.
✅ Use as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
✅ Mix with pasta for a quick marinara-style dish.