Name: Neapolitan San Marzano Pizza Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 (28 oz.) can/jar whole peeled DOP San Marzano tomatoes; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 4 fresh basil leaves; 1 clove garlic, peeled (optional); Splash of extra virgin olive oil (optional)

why make this recipe

Making your own Neapolitan San Marzano pizza sauce is simple and rewarding. This sauce captures the authentic flavors of Italy, bringing a taste of Naples right to your kitchen. It uses high-quality San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweetness and low acidity. When you make this sauce at home, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and create the perfect base for your pizza.

how to make Neapolitan San Marzano Pizza Sauce

Ingredients :

1 (28 oz.) can/jar whole peeled DOP San Marzano tomatoes
1 teaspoon sea salt
4 fresh basil leaves
1 clove garlic, peeled (optional)
Splash of extra virgin olive oil (optional)

Directions :

Remove the tomatoes from the can and place them into a blender or a bowl if you are using an immersion blender.
Add the sea salt and basil leaves to the tomatoes.
Pulse the mixture until the sauce reaches your desired consistency—smooth or chunky.
If you want a thinner sauce, add 1 tablespoon of the sauce from the can at a time until you reach your preferred thickness (I don’t add any).
Use your homemade pizza sauce right away, or store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

how to serve Neapolitan San Marzano Pizza Sauce

This sauce is perfect for spreading on your pizza dough before adding toppings. It pairs well with a variety of ingredients, such as mozzarella cheese, fresh vegetables, or meats. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for bread sticks or as a base for other Italian dishes.

how to store Neapolitan San Marzano Pizza Sauce

To store your sauce, simply transfer it to an airtight jar. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing the sauce in small portions. This way, you can easily pull it out when you need it.

tips to make Neapolitan San Marzano Pizza Sauce

Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
If you love garlic, feel free to add more than one clove, but remember that it’s optional.
For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Taste the sauce before using it; you can always adjust the salt to your liking.

variation

You can create variations of this sauce by adding other ingredients. For example, try adding a teaspoon of sugar for sweetness, or some chopped olives for a briny flavor. Additionally, adding roasted red peppers can give the sauce a unique twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other types of tomatoes for this sauce?
A: While San Marzano tomatoes are traditional for this recipe, you can use other canned whole tomatoes. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary.

Q: Is it necessary to cook the sauce?
A: No, this sauce is designed to be used fresh and does not require cooking. However, you can simmer it on low heat if you prefer a cooked flavor.

Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Use about one teaspoon of dried basil for this recipe, but fresh basil will provide the best flavor.