Easy Tomato Pizza Sauce Recipe – Garlic & Chili Flakes

Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Tomato Pizza Sauce Recipe – Garlic & Chili Flakes

Introduction

There’s just something magical about homemade pizza, isn’t there? And honestly, the sauce is where it all begins. For years, I relied on store-bought jars, but once I started making my own, there was no going back. This easy tomato pizza sauce recipe is my go-to – it’s bursting with fresh flavors, comes together in under 30 minutes, and makes your pizza taste absolutely incredible. Seriously, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever bought sauce in a jar!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any pizza sauce. It’s quick, it’s flavorful, and it’s surprisingly simple. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Plus, knowing exactly what goes into your sauce gives you complete control over the taste. It’s a small thing that makes a huge difference.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this deliciousness:

• 500 grams (about 2 cups) tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• ½ – 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ – ¾ teaspoon salt (to taste)
• ½ – ¾ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ – ¾ teaspoon basil

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can really elevate this sauce.

• Tomatoes: Choosing the Right Variety – Roma tomatoes are fantastic for sauce because they have a meaty texture and fewer seeds. But honestly, any ripe, flavorful tomatoes will work!
• Olive Oil: Extra Virgin vs. Regular – Extra virgin olive oil will give you the best flavor, but regular olive oil works just fine if that’s what you have on hand.
• Garlic: Fresh vs. Powdered – Fresh garlic is always best. The aroma alone is worth it! But in a pinch, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder will do.
• Red Chili Flakes: Heat Level & Regional Variations – Red chili flakes add a lovely warmth. Start with ½ teaspoon and add more if you like a serious kick. Kashmiri chili flakes are great for color and mild heat.
• Oregano & Basil: Fresh vs. Dried – and Their Impact on Flavor – Fresh herbs are amazing, but dried work beautifully too. If using fresh, use about 1 tablespoon of chopped herbs. Dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so use a little less.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, blend those 500 grams of diced tomatoes into a smooth puree. A blender or food processor works perfectly.
2. Now, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant – usually about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Add the ½ – 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes and toast them briefly, about 10 seconds. This releases their flavor.
4. Pour in the tomato puree. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice it thickening up nicely.
5. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of sugar, ½ – ¾ teaspoon of salt, ½ – ¾ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of oregano, and ½ – ¾ teaspoon of basil. Give it a good taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is your sauce, so make it perfect!
6. Continue cooking uncovered for another 5 minutes, until the sauce reaches a lovely, spreadable consistency.
7. Let it cool completely before using on your pizza or storing it.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the simmering step! It really concentrates the flavors.
• A pinch of sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Taste as you go! Seasoning is key.

Variations

• Vegan Tomato Pizza Sauce: This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your sugar source if you’re super strict.
• Spice Level Adjustments: Mild, Medium, Hot – Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red chili flakes. My kids prefer a milder sauce, so I usually stick to ½ teaspoon.
• Quick Tomato Pizza Sauce (Reduced Simmer Time): Short on time? Simmer for just 10 minutes. It won’t be quite as thick, but it’ll still be delicious.
• Festival Adaptations: Pairing with Seasonal Pizzas – During the holidays, I love adding a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a festive twist.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce is, of course, amazing on pizza! But don’t stop there. It’s also fantastic with pasta, as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks, or even as a base for shakshuka.

Storage Instructions

Let the sauce cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. I like to freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning.

FAQs

• What type of tomatoes are best for pizza sauce? Roma tomatoes are ideal, but any ripe, flavorful tomatoes will work.
• Can I make this sauce ahead of time and freeze it? Absolutely! It freezes beautifully.
• How can I adjust the thickness of the sauce? Simmer for longer to thicken, or add a splash of water to thin it out.
• What if I don’t have fresh basil and oregano? Dried herbs are perfectly fine! Use about 1 teaspoon of each.
• Can I use a different type of oil besides olive oil? You can, but olive oil adds a lovely flavor. Vegetable oil or avocado oil are good substitutes.