Homemade Marinara Sauce for Pizza

Marinara sauce: a symphony of sweet tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a touch of garlic, dancing on a canvas of golden pizza dough. Its simplicity is its strength, a testament to the power of quality ingredients and basic culinary wisdom. Forget the sugar-laden commercial jars – let's craft a homemade marinara that elevates your pizza to new heights.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sweat the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add and cook the garlic for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Don't let it brown!
2. Tomato Tango: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon. Add oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook with stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes. Let the sauce to slightly thicken and the flavors to blend.
3. Season to Sing: Season generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. You want the sauce to be bright and vibrant, with a touch of sweetness balanced by the tangy tomatoes.
4. Basilico Bliss: (Optional) For an extra dose of freshness, stir in a handful of chopped basil leaves just before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 50
• Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

Tips for Marinara Mastery:

• Use high-quality, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. San Marzano tomatoes are particularly prized for their sweetness and low acidity.
• Fresh herbs are always preferable, but dried herbs work in a pinch. For oregano, choose whole leaves and crumble them between your fingers before adding.
• Don't overcook the sauce! Simmering for too long can concentrate the acidity and mute the fresh tomato flavor.
• You can be creative with this recipe. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary, add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a kick, or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste for a deeper flavor.

Conclusion:

Marinara sauce is more than just a pizza topping; it's a gateway to culinary freedom. Simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and bursting with flavor, it's a must-have in any home kitchen. So ditch the store-bought stuff, grab some fresh tomatoes, and unleash your inner pizzaiolo. With a little marinara magic, your next homemade pizza will be a masterpiece.