Cherry Tomato Pizza Sauce – Easy Recipe

Cherry Tomato Pizza Sauce

In today’s article we will learn how to make Cherry Tomato Pizza Sauce recipe.Cherry tomato pizza sauce is a delicious and easy way to add a fresh and flavorful twist to your pizzas.

Cherry Tomato Pizza Sauce

pizza sauce with cherry tomatoes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes, garlic, and onion to the skillet and cook until the tomatoes are softened and starting to burst, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar to the tomato mixture. Stir to combine.

3. Reduce the heat to low and let the tomato sauce simmer, uncovered, for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the tomatoes cook down, they will release their juices and create a thick sauce.

4. Once the tomato sauce has thickened and reduced, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

5. Use this tomato sauce to top your favorite pizza crust, along with your desired toppings.

Notes

  • This pizza sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, or frozen for later use.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can transfer the cooked tomato sauce to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
  • Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired.

Tips:

  • For a smoother sauce, remove the skins from the tomatoes before blending.
  • If you don’t have a food processor or blender, you can use a potato masher to mash the tomatoes until smooth.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy sauce.

Additional notes:

  • This sauce can be used on any type of pizza crust, including store-bought, homemade, or gluten-free.
  • To use this sauce on pizza, simply spread it over the crust before adding your toppings.
  • This sauce can also be used as a dip for vegetables or as a pasta sauce.

Second Method : Cherry Tomato Pizza Sauce

Instructions:

Prepare the Tomatoes:

Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half.

Sauté Garlic:

In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned.

Add Cherry Tomatoes:

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Stir and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
Seasoning:

Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the tomatoes. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add red pepper flakes.
Simmer:

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for another 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, and the sauce will thicken slightly.
Optional Tomato Paste:

If you prefer a richer and thicker sauce, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste. This is optional but adds depth to the sauce.
Adjust Seasoning:

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
Blend (Optional):

If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency. This step is optional, and you can leave it chunky if you like.
Cool and Use:

Allow the sauce to cool slightly before spreading it over your pizza dough. It’s now ready to use as a flavorful and fresh pizza sauce.

Conclusion

Cherry tomato pizza sauce is a delicious and easy way to add a fresh and flavorful twist to your pizzas. Made with simple ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper, this sauce is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. The roasting process intensifies the sweetness of the tomatoes and mellows out their acidity, resulting in a sauce that is both vibrant and balanced.

Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade pizza crust, cherry tomato pizza sauce elevates your pizzas to a whole new level. The burst of freshness from the tomatoes complements a variety of toppings, from classic pepperoni and mushrooms to more adventurous options like arugula and prosciutto.

In addition to its culinary versatility, cherry tomato pizza sauce also offers nutritional benefits. Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin K.

FAQ – Cherry Tomato Pizza Sauce

1. Can I substitute cherry tomatoes for any other type of tomatoes for the pizza sauce?

While cherry tomatoes are commonly used for pizza sauce, it is not mandatory to use them exclusively. You can use a combination of cherry tomatoes and regular tomatoes if you prefer. The cherry tomatoes will add a vibrant red color and a sweet flavor to the sauce, while regular tomatoes will provide a more balanced taste.

2. Can I use canned cherry tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

Canned cherry tomatoes can be used in pizza sauce, but it’s generally recommended to use fresh tomatoes when possible. Fresh tomatoes tend to have a better texture and flavor, especially when they are in season. However, canned cherry tomatoes can be a convenient option if you can’t find fresh ones or if you need to use them up.

3. How long should I cook the cherry tomatoes for pizza sauce?

Cooking the cherry tomatoes is key to creating a flavorful and thick pizza sauce. Aim for about 15-20 minutes of simmering to allow the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of tomatoes and the desired thickness of the sauce.

4. How do I prevent my pizza sauce from becoming watery?

To keep your pizza sauce thick and concentrated, there are several steps you can take. First, use ripe and firm cherry tomatoes that have a higher water content. Additionally, crush the tomatoes lightly to release their juices before adding them to the sauce. You can also add a small amount of tomato paste or cornstarch to help thicken the sauce.

5. Can I add other vegetables to my pizza sauce?

Adding vegetables to your pizza sauce is a great way to incorporate additional flavors and texture. Some popular options include sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Simply cook the vegetables until tender before adding them to the tomato sauce. You can also add herbs such as basil, oregano, or parsley to enhance the flavor.

6. How should I store my leftover pizza sauce?

Pizza sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Make sure to give it a good stir before using it again, as the ingredients may have settled during storage.

7. Can pizza sauce be frozen for later use?

Yes, pizza sauce can be frozen for later use. Divide the sauce into portions and freeze it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator before using it on pizzas.

8. Can I reheat pizza sauce in the microwave?

Reheating pizza sauce in the microwave is fine, but it may not yield the same texture and flavor as freshly cooked sauce. It’s recommended to gently warm the sauce in a saucepan on the stove or in the oven to maintain its original qualities.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top