Michael Symon’s Homemade Pizza Sauce: A Taste of Cleveland in Your Kitchen

My earliest memories are intertwined with the aroma of garlic and simmering tomatoes. Growing up, Sunday night was always pizza night. My grandmother, a fiery Italian woman with a heart of gold, would gather the family around her enormous kitchen table. While store-bought crusts were sometimes involved (don’t tell anyone!), the sauce was always homemade, a closely guarded family secret that she’d only reveal small snippets of to me over the years. This recipe reminds me of those nights, bringing the same simple, honest flavors to life. It’s the taste of home, no matter where you are.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (This is a raw sauce)
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yields: Approximately 15 ounces
• Serves: Varies depending on pizza size
• Dietary Type: Vegan

Ingredients

• 1 (15 ounce) can whole canned tomatoes, drained
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment Needed

• Blender or food processor
• Bowl
• Can opener
• Knife

Instructions

1. Begin by draining the canned whole tomatoes. This step is crucial to prevent your pizza sauce from becoming too watery. I usually press them gently with my hands to release excess liquid.
2. Add the drained tomatoes, sliced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil to a blender or food processor.
3. Pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. I agree with Chef Symon; it’s best to leave this sauce a little coarse for added texture on the pizza. Avoid over-processing into a completely smooth puree.
4. Pour the sauce into a bowl and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra pepper can really bring out the flavors.
5. This pizza sauce is designed to be used raw and cooked directly on the pizza in the oven. It’s now ready to be spread onto your favorite pizza dough and topped with your desired toppings.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Tomato Quality Matters: Opt for high-quality canned whole tomatoes, preferably San Marzano if available. The flavor difference is significant.
• Garlic Infusion: For a more intense garlic flavor, gently sauté the sliced garlic in a little olive oil before adding it to the blender. Let it cool slightly before blending to prevent the heat from affecting the other ingredients.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the blender for a subtle kick.
• Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh oregano and basil on hand, feel free to substitute them for the dried herbs. Use about 1 tablespoon of each, finely chopped.
• Make Ahead: This sauce can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together beautifully.
• Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce seems too thin after blending, you can simmer it gently in a saucepan for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Preventing a Soggy Crust: Lightly brush the pizza dough with olive oil before spreading the sauce. This helps create a barrier and prevents the sauce from soaking into the crust.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Spread the pizza sauce evenly over your favorite pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Top with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, meats, and bake according to your pizza dough instructions.

Leftover pizza sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using. The sauce may separate slightly after thawing; simply stir it well before using.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	95 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	1g	1%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	616mg	26%
Total Carbohydrate	22g	7%
Dietary Fiber	6g	25%
Sugars	10g	N/A
Protein	4g	8%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce: Add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes and a clove of minced garlic to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Creamy Tomato Sauce: Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or coconut cream (for a vegan option) after blending for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Puttanesca Sauce: Add chopped olives, capers, and anchovies (optional) to the sauce for a salty, briny flavor.
• Vodka Sauce: Sauté a finely chopped shallot in olive oil, add a splash of vodka, and let it reduce slightly before adding the tomato mixture to the blender.
• Roasted Garlic Sauce: Roast a whole head of garlic until soft and caramelized. Squeeze the cloves out of their skins and add them to the blender with the other ingredients for a sweet and smoky flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce: Add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) to the blender for a more intense tomato flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use crushed tomatoes instead of whole canned tomatoes?
A: While you can, whole canned tomatoes generally have a fresher, brighter flavor. If using crushed tomatoes, choose a high-quality brand and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Q: Do I need to cook the sauce before putting it on the pizza?
A: No, this sauce is designed to be used raw and will cook on the pizza in the oven.

Q: Can I add other herbs to the sauce?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or marjoram to create your own unique flavor profile.

Q: How long does this sauce last in the refrigerator?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container, this sauce will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I use this sauce for pasta?
A: Yes, you can! This sauce is delicious on pasta. For a richer flavor, simmer it gently in a saucepan for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Final Thoughts

Michael Symon’s homemade pizza sauce is a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to suit your personal tastes and preferences. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to create a pizza that’s bursting with flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process of creating a delicious homemade meal. I’d love to hear what you think! Share your creations and variations in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to make the best pizza possible!