Tomato Sauce on Pizza
Pizza is loved worldwide, and one of the most important parts is the tomato sauce that serves as the base for all the toppings. But what do we actually call this sauce? Most people simply refer to it as pizza sauce, but the name and preparation can change depending on where you are and the type of pizza.
In this article, we’ll explore the names, preparation methods, and types of pizza sauce. We’ll also compare it to other sauces like marinara and pasta sauce. Additionally, you’ll learn how to make your own pizza sauce and discover which tomatoes work best.
Pizza Sauce: What Is It?
Cooks usually call the tomato sauce used on pizza pizza sauce. This sauce is made specifically for spreading on pizza dough, ensuring it enhances the toppings rather than overpowering them. Unlike pasta sauce, pizza sauce often contains fewer ingredients and cooks for a shorter period. It bakes with the pizza, preserving the fresh tomato flavor.
Key Characteristics of Pizza Sauce:
- Smooth Texture: The sauce has a smooth consistency, so it spreads easily over the dough without creating lumps.
- Simpler Ingredients: Pizza sauce uses basic ingredients such as tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs like oregano or basil.
- Uncooked or Lightly Cooked: Cooks typically use raw or lightly cooked tomatoes in pizza sauce to keep the natural sweetness of the tomatoes intact.
For a creative twist, try this sweet tomatoes chimichurri pizza, where the sauce adds a fresh, exciting flavor to traditional pizza.
Pizza Sauce vs. Marinara Sauce
Some people think pizza sauce and marinara sauce are the same. While both use tomatoes as the main ingredient, they differ in texture, preparation, and taste.
Differences Between Pizza Sauce and Marinara:
- Texture: Pizza sauce has a smoother texture, while marinara is chunkier and less blended.
- Preparation: Marinara sauce simmers for a longer time, giving it a richer, deeper flavor. Pizza sauce, on the other hand, uses raw or lightly cooked tomatoes.
- Usage: Marinara often accompanies pasta or serves as a dipping sauce, while pizza sauce is spread on pizza dough.
While you can use marinara on pizza, it may alter the texture and flavor. For best results, stick to pizza-specific sauces. If you’re interested in trying marinara in other dishes, check out this shrimp pasta with pico de gallo.
Pizza Sauce vs. Pasta Sauce
Another common mix-up occurs between pizza sauce and pasta sauce. Both can be tomato-based, but they serve different purposes and have distinct flavors.
Differences Between Pizza Sauce and Pasta Sauce:
- Cooking Time: Pasta sauce cooks for longer, resulting in a thicker texture and bolder flavor.
- Ingredients: Pasta sauce often contains more ingredients, such as onions, carrots, or even meat, making it more complex.
- Usage: Pasta sauce coats pasta to add flavor, while pizza sauce spreads thinly on dough, allowing the toppings to shine.
Though you could use pasta sauce on pizza in a pinch, it’s usually too thick and rich for the job. It’s best to use a sauce made specifically for pizza.
Traditional Italian Pizza Sauce
In Italy, the sauce used for pizza is called passata di pomodoro, a smooth puree made from fresh tomatoes. Italians emphasize fresh, high-quality ingredients, and traditional Neapolitan pizza sauce uses just a few simple but flavorful components.
Ingredients for Traditional Italian Pizza Sauce:
- Fresh tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
- Olive oil
- Fresh basil
- Salt
Rather than cooking the sauce ahead of time, Italians spread it on the dough and let it cook in the oven with the pizza. This technique preserves the fresh tomato flavor and perfectly balances the pizza.
How to Make Pizza Sauce at Home
Making your own pizza sauce at home is simple and allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking. Here’s a basic recipe that works well with any pizza.
Ingredients:
- 1 can of San Marzano tomatoes or 2 cups of fresh ripe tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Blend the tomatoes until they are smooth.
- Heat olive oil in a pan, and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the blended tomatoes, and season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Let the sauce cool, and spread it over your pizza dough.
This recipe is easy to customize, allowing you to adjust the herbs and spices to your preferences. For a fun dessert idea to go with your pizza night, check out this homemade Eskimo pie popsicle recipe.
Canned Pizza Sauce vs. Homemade Pizza Sauce
Should you use canned pizza sauce or make it from scratch? Both options offer benefits depending on your needs.
- Canned pizza sauce: This option is quick and convenient. Many canned sauces are made from high-quality tomatoes and offer a balanced flavor. However, some canned sauces may contain preservatives.
- Homemade pizza sauce: Making your sauce from scratch gives you control over the ingredients. Homemade sauce often tastes fresher and allows for flavor adjustments.
While canned sauce works well for a quick pizza night, homemade sauce provides a more personal touch and fresher taste.
Best Tomatoes for Pizza Sauce
Choosing the right tomatoes is key to making flavorful pizza sauce. Certain tomato varieties are better than others due to their natural sweetness and low water content. Here are some of the best tomatoes for pizza sauce:
- San Marzano tomatoes: Known for their sweetness and low acidity, San Marzano tomatoes are ideal for pizza sauce.
- Roma tomatoes: With their thick flesh and low water content, Roma tomatoes create a rich, flavorful sauce that complements pizza perfectly.
- Amish Paste tomatoes: These tomatoes are meaty and flavorful, providing a great balance of sweetness and depth to pizza sauce.
Using high-quality tomatoes ensures that your sauce will have the right flavor and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pizza Sauce
Although pizza sauce is easy to make, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some things to avoid:
- Overcooking the sauce: Cooking the sauce too long can cause bitterness and make it too thick. Keep the cooking time short to preserve the fresh tomato flavor.
- Using too many herbs: While herbs add flavor, using too much can overpower the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. Stick to a few basic seasonings like basil and oregano.
- Choosing watery tomatoes: Tomatoes with too much water will make your sauce thin and runny. Use varieties like San Marzano or Roma for the best results.
FAQs About Pizza Sauce
- Is pizza sauce the same as marinara?
No, pizza sauce is typically smoother and uses raw or lightly cooked tomatoes, while marinara is chunkier and cooks longer, resulting in a deeper flavor. - Can you use pasta sauce on pizza?
You can, but pasta sauce tends to be thicker and richer, which might not work as well on pizza. If you decide to use pasta sauce, try thinning it with a little water or olive oil. - What is Neapolitan pizza sauce made of?
Neapolitan pizza sauce uses fresh tomatoes, usually San Marzano, along with olive oil, salt, and fresh basil. The sauce remains uncooked to highlight the natural flavors of the tomatoes.
Conclusion
Why Tomato Sauce Is Key to a Great Pizza
The tomato sauce on pizza, often referred to as pizza sauce, serves as a crucial foundation that brings together all the flavors of the toppings. Whether you opt for a classic pizza sauce, traditional Italian passata, or experiment with alternatives like marinara, the sauce’s quality directly impacts the taste of the entire pizza. One of the defining elements of a good pizza sauce is its simplicity and its ability to complement, rather than overpower, the other ingredients on the pizza.
Understanding the Differences Between Pizza, Marinara, and Pasta Sauces
Understanding the differences between pizza sauce, marinara, and pasta sauce is essential, as each sauce serves a distinct purpose. Pizza sauce is typically lighter, smoother, and less cooked, allowing the natural sweetness of the tomatoes to shine. In contrast, marinara and pasta sauces are thicker and more robust, featuring additional ingredients that may not suit pizza as well.
How Tomato Selection Impacts Your Sauce
The choice of tomatoes plays a significant role in achieving the perfect pizza sauce. Varieties like San Marzano, Roma, and Amish Paste are excellent options due to their low water content and rich flavor profiles. These tomatoes give the sauce its ideal consistency, ensuring that it doesn’t turn out too watery or bland. Selecting high-quality tomatoes not only improves the sauce’s flavor but also enhances the overall pizza experience.
Convenience vs. Flavor in Pizza Sauce
If you’re making pizza sauce at home, you have the advantage of customizing the flavor to suit your preferences. A homemade sauce gives you full control over the ingredients and allows you to experiment with different herbs and seasonings. On the other hand, canned pizza sauces are convenient and can save time without sacrificing too much flavor, as long as you choose a high-quality product.
How to Enhance Your Sauce with Better Tomatoes
For those interested in enhancing their pizza sauce, learning about the best tomatoes for pizza sauce can make all the difference. Check out What Are the Sweetest Tomatoes for Pizza Sauce for a deeper look into how the right tomatoes can elevate your sauce and make your pizza more flavorful and balanced.
Final Thoughts on Perfecting Your Pizza
Ultimately, whether you are a home cook experimenting with pizza for the first time or a seasoned pizza enthusiast, knowing how to choose the right sauce and ingredients is key. The tomato sauce acts as the base upon which the rest of the pizza is built, and its quality can make or break the dish. By using the freshest ingredients and following the right techniques, you can create a pizza that not only tastes great but also provides a memorable dining experience.
