Peter Reinhart’s Simple & Sublime Pizza Sauce

The first time I tasted truly great pizza, it wasn’t in Naples, or even New York. It was in my own kitchen, after years of frustrating attempts. I’d finally cracked the crust, but the store-bought sauce was still holding me back. It tasted tinny and flat, completely out of sync with the glorious, bubbly dough. Then, I discovered the magic of a raw pizza sauce – one that relies on the pure, vibrant flavor of crushed tomatoes, heightened with a few key ingredients. That’s when my homemade pizza journey truly began. This simple recipe, adapted from Peter Reinhart, changed everything.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: Varies
• Yield: About 3 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• ½ teaspoon granulated garlic powder (optional)
• ¼ cup water, if needed only
• ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)

Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring Spoons and Cups
• Airtight Container for Storage

Instructions

1. Begin by emptying the entire can of crushed tomatoes into a mixing bowl.
2. Using a whisk, gently break up any large chunks of tomatoes, ensuring a smooth base for your sauce.
3. Add the red wine vinegar, ground black pepper, dried basil (if using), dried oregano (if using), and granulated garlic powder (if using) to the bowl.
4. Whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
5. Taste the sauce at this point. If it seems too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches a slightly thick, easily spreadable consistency. Remember, the sauce will thicken slightly as it sits.
6. Adjust the seasoning with salt to your liking. Start with the ½ teaspoon and add more, a pinch at a time, until the flavor is balanced.
7. The sauce is now ready to use immediately.
8. To store leftover sauce, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 10 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Tomato Quality Matters: The quality of your crushed tomatoes will significantly impact the flavor of your sauce. Opt for a brand you trust and that is known for its sweetness and minimal acidity. San Marzano tomatoes are a fantastic choice, if available.
• Don’t Overdo the Spices: This recipe is designed to be simple and showcase the flavor of the tomatoes. Be mindful of the amount of spices you add. It’s better to start with less and add more to taste.
• Spice Bloom: For a more intense flavor, consider blooming the dried herbs in a little bit of olive oil before adding them to the tomatoes. Simply heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a small pan, add the basil and oregano, and cook over low heat for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Let cool slightly before incorporating into the sauce.
• Adjusting Acidity: If your tomatoes are particularly acidic, a pinch of sugar can help balance the flavors. Start with a 1/8 teaspoon and add more to taste.
• Freezing for Later: When freezing the sauce, portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers in amounts that you would typically use for one pizza. This makes it easy to thaw only what you need. Remember to leave some headspace in the container as the sauce will expand when frozen.
• Blended Sauce: If you prefer an ultra-smooth sauce, you can blend all the ingredients together using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Be careful when blending hot liquids.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This pizza sauce is perfect for spreading on homemade pizza dough, using as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks, or adding to pasta dishes.

• Serving: Spread the sauce evenly over your pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Top with your favorite cheeses and toppings, and bake according to your pizza dough recipe.
• Storage: Leftover sauce should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen sauce in the refrigerator overnight. You can reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (Approximate)	% Daily Value
Calories	30 kcal	2%
Total Fat	0g	0%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	180mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate	6g	2%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	4g	0%
Protein	1g	2%

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

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Pizza Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Herbaceous Pizza Sauce: Experiment with different herbs such as fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary. Finely chop the herbs and add them to the sauce.
• Sweet Pizza Sauce: For a sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
• Roasted Garlic Pizza Sauce: Roast a head of garlic until soft and sweet, then blend the roasted garlic cloves into the sauce for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Smoked Paprika Pizza Sauce: A touch of smoked paprika can impart a lovely smoky flavor to the sauce.
• Tomato Paste Boost: If you want a thicker, more concentrated sauce, add a tablespoon or two of tomato paste.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! You’ll need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Core them, roughly chop, and simmer them in a pot until softened before crushing and using in the recipe. You might need to adjust the cooking time to reduce excess liquid.

Q: Is it necessary to add the optional herbs?
A: No, the herbs are optional, but they do add depth and complexity to the flavor. Feel free to experiment with different herbs or omit them altogether if you prefer a simpler sauce.

Q: Can I make this sauce in advance?
A: Yes, you can make this sauce up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually meld together and improve over time.

Q: My sauce is too watery. How can I thicken it?
A: If your sauce is too watery, you can simmer it gently in a saucepan over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).

Q: Can I use this sauce for other dishes besides pizza?
A: Yes, this sauce is incredibly versatile! It can be used as a base for pasta sauces, as a dipping sauce for appetizers, or as a component in casseroles and other baked dishes.

Final Thoughts

This simple pizza sauce recipe is a game-changer. It’s quick, easy, and infinitely customizable to your own tastes. Once you experience the vibrant flavor of a homemade raw pizza sauce, you’ll never go back to store-bought. I encourage you to give it a try, experiment with different herbs and spices, and share your feedback. Pair it with your favorite pizza toppings and a crisp glass of Italian wine for the ultimate pizza night experience!