Pizza Sauce

Say hello to your new favorite pizza sauce! This Gourmet Pizza Sauce is rich, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned with a blend of tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a little kick. It's the secret weapon for making every pizza night a gourmet affair!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

Directions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 small onion, finely chopped. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Pour in 1 can (15 ounces) of crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste for extra richness. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for heat), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
4. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend to your desired consistency.
5. Let the sauce cool slightly before using it as a base for your pizza. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.