Description
Jamie Oliver’s Pizza Sauce is a fresh and simple tomato sauce made from ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It’s designed to be the perfect base for homemade pizzas, offering a burst of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Ingredients
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- Ripe Tomatoes: 500g (about 1 lb), or 1 can of quality chopped tomatoes
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- Garlic: 2 cloves, finely chopped
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- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
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- Fresh Basil: A handful of leaves, torn
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- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
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- Salt: To taste
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- Black Pepper: To taste
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- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
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- Blanch and Peel (if using fresh tomatoes): If you’re using fresh tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. Peel off the skins and chop the tomatoes finely.
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- Use Canned Tomatoes: If using canned tomatoes, simply open the can and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sauce
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- Heat the Olive Oil: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
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- Sauté the Garlic: Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
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- Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped fresh or canned tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
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- Add Herbs and Seasoning: Stir in the torn basil leaves, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. If the tomatoes are too acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavor.
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- Simmer: Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce (Optional)
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- Smooth the Sauce: For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth. Alternatively, you can leave it chunky for a more rustic texture.
Step 5: Cool and Store
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- Cool the Sauce: Allow the sauce to cool slightly before using it on your pizza.
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- Store: If making ahead, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.