New York Style Pizza Sauce Recipe

Ever had the kind of tomato sauce that makes you feel like you could take on the world, one spoonful at a time? Well, get ready to level up your pasta game with a sauce that’s so simple, yet it brings all the nostalgic vibes of a cozy kitchen straight to your taste buds.

I adore fashioning the quintessential sauce for New York-style pizza. To me, this is one of the simplest yet most delightful tasks in the world of pizza-making.

A good sauce should never overpower the pizza’s delicate balance of flavors; instead, it should play its part in the ensemble with grace and personality. Whole peeled tomatoes are the base.

I use the San Marzano brand most of the time. From there, I steer the crew of ingredients—olive oil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes—toward the delicious missive of pizza sauce.

New York Style Pizza Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• Whole Peeled Tomatoes: Rich in vitamin C and lycopene; provide a fresh, sweet-tart base.
• Olive Oil: Adds healthy monounsaturated fats; enhances flavor and texture.
• Sugar: Balances acidity in tomatoes; adds a subtle sweetness.
• Dried Oregano: Herbal, earthy notes; high in antioxidants and provides depth.
• Dried Basil: Sweet and peppery; complements oregano, adding aromatic flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds heat and complexity; stimulates digestion.
• Garlic Powder: Offers rich, savory flavor; contains beneficial antioxidants.

New York Style Pizza Sauce Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

How to Make this New York Style Pizza Sauce Recipe

1. Blend the whole peeled tomatoes in a blender until smooth.

2. In a medium pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat.

3. Incorporate the mixed tomatoes into the saucepan and combine.

4. Blend in the sugar, salt, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes.

5. Incorporate the garlic powder and onion powder into the sauce, and make sure they are mixed well with the sauce.

6. Mix the tomato paste thoroughly into the dish.

7. Heat the sauce until it simmers, then lower the heat to keep the sauce at a gentle simmer.

8. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, giving it an occasional stir.

9. If needed, taste and adjust the seasoning.

10. When you have achieved the desired consistency, take your mixture off the heat and allow it to cool before either using it or putting it away.

New York Style Pizza Sauce Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Blender
2. Medium pot
3. Saucepan
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Measuring spoons

FAQ

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?Sure, fresh tomatoes can be used. However, they need to be crushed and peeled first. The easiest way to do this is to blanch them in boiling water.
• What type of olive oil works best?It is recommended to use extra virgin olive oil because of its rich flavor, which pairs well with the herbs and tomatoes.
• Is there a substitute for sugar in the recipe?A small quantity of honey or agave syrup can be used as a substitute for sugar.
• How long does the sauce need to simmer?Allow the flavors to meld together by simmering the sauce for about 20-30 minutes.
• Can I store leftover sauce?Certainly! Yes, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or stash it in the freezer for up to three months.
• Is it possible to make this sauce spicy?Elevate the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or incorporate fresh chili peppers to boost the heat factor.
• What if I don’t have oregano or basil?If you have Italian seasoning or fresh herbs on hand, you can substitute them in for the dried herbs, using a quantity that tastes good to you.

New York Style Pizza Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Tomatoes that are whole and peeled: For a smoother sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes instead.
Avocado oil: Replace with a neutral-tasting alternative, such as avocado oil.
Oregano (dried): Oregano (fresh) may be used as a substitute in a pinch. Increase the quantity to 1 tablespoon.
Dried basil: Substitute with fresh basil for a more vibrant flavor. Use 3 tablespoons of fresh basil in place of a 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
Red pepper, crushed, in flake form: For a distinct type of heat, employ cayenne pepper instead, and decrease the amount to 1/4 teaspoon.

Pro Tips

1. For a deeper and richer flavor, consider sautéing some chopped fresh garlic and onion in the olive oil before adding the blended tomatoes. This will add complexity and depth to your sauce.

2. If you have the time, let the sauce simmer for an hour or more. Longer simmering enhances the flavors and allows them to meld together beautifully. Just be sure to stir occasionally.

3. To avoid any bitterness from the tomato paste, cook it briefly in the olive oil for about a minute before adding the blended tomatoes. This will help caramelize the paste and bring out its sweetness.

4. For a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of good-quality red wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce during the simmering process. This can provide an additional layer of complexity.

5. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a longer period, or add a little bit of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a small amount of water) to thicken it to your liking.