Pizza Sauce

A rich, balanced tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and a touch of natural sweetness from carrot. Smooth and flavorful, it spreads easily and bakes into a classic pizza base.

Serves: about 3 cups | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 small carrot, finely grated

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes or tomato purée (no-salt-added if available)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon dried basil

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

• ½ teaspoon sugar or honey (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add the garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.

3. Stir in the grated carrot and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.

4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, onion powder, oregano, basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.

5. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

6. Taste and add sugar or honey if needed to balance the acidity.

7. Let cool slightly before spreading on pizza dough.

Cook’s Note

For a smoother sauce, blend briefly with an immersion blender. This sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.