Neapolitan Pizza Sauce Recipe

This Neapolitan Pizza Sauce Recipe is so simple and quick to make. It's a celebration of simplicity and fresh flavors, hailing from Naples, Italy, where pizza was born. There's no cooking involved, so the sauce retains a bright, fresh tomato taste I know you'll love.

Imagine yourself in Naples, Italy, eating a fresh, authentic Neapolitan pizza. The crust is thin and crispy, while the toppings burst with flavors. But what truly sets this pizza apart is the perfectly delicious Neapolitan pizza sauce that ties everything together.

This sauce is made from sun-kissed tomatoes ripened to perfection, picked at just the right moment to capture their sweetness. In the Napolitano style, these tomatoes are crushed (traditionally by hand) and mixed with salt, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic.

This is one of my 5 in 5 sauces, ready in 5 minutes with 5 ingredients or less.

Jump to:

• The Essence of Neapolitan Pizza Sauce
• Crafting Your Pizza Sauce
• Versatile Uses for Neapolitan Pizza Sauce
• Storing and Preserving Your Homemade Sauce
• Pairing Your Sauce with Classic Neapolitan Pizzas
• Frequently Asked Questions
• See more related posts
• Recipe
• Reviews

Why you'll love this sauce

• Neapolitan pizza sauce is made with simple ingredients - San Marzano tomatoes, basil, garlic, and salt, to highlight the freshness of the tomatoes.

• Uncooked tomatoes create a perfect flavor and freshness balance in this sauce.

• This sauce can be used for gourmet pizzas or alternative applications like marinades, dipping sauce, and pasta dishes

The Essence of Neapolitan Pizza Sauce

Let’s dive deeper into the core elements of this delicious sauce, from its simplicity of ingredients to the importance of quality.

The Simplicity of Ingredients

Neapolitan pizza sauce requires only a few ingredients, typically fresh San Marzano tomatoes, and salt. Some variations may include a trace of baking soda, olive oil, or oregano.

This minimalistic approach allows for the natural flavors of the tomatoes to truly shine, providing a rich and satisfying taste in every bite. The simplicity of the ingredients accentuates the freshness and quality of the tomatoes, which are the star of the sauce.

In contrast to other pizza sauces, such as marinara sauce, which may incorporate extra virgin olive oil, oregano, garlic, and black pepper, Neapolitan pizza sauce focuses on the pure essence of the tomatoes. This allows the sauce to complement the subtle flavors of classic Neapolitan pizzas, such as Margherita and Pizza Marinara, without overpowering them.

Uncooked Perfection

An essential aspect of authentic Neapolitan pizza sauce is that it is never cooked. This uncooked state allows the natural flavors of the tomatoes to be highlighted, providing a fresh and vibrant taste. Cooking the sauce may alter its flavor and introduce sweetness, which may not be desirable in Neapolitan pizza.

The hot oven during the pizza baking process will ensure the sauce's cooking, thereby preserving the natural flavors of the tomatoes. This no-cook approach maintains the tomatoes' integrity and rich flavors, making it a perfect addition to any Neapolitan pizza.

Quality Matters

The quality of the tomatoes used in the sauce is crucial for achieving the perfect taste and texture. San Marzano tomatoes, canned or fresh, are ideal for an authentic Neapolitan pizza sauce. We usually buy them canned, and the sauce is just as delicious as when we've made this sauce with fresh tomatoes.

These tomatoes are grown in the San Marzano region of Italy, which has strict regulations to ensure the quality of the tomatoes. Authentic San Marzano tomatoes bear the indication “S. Marzano dell’Agro Sarnese-Nocerino D.O.P. is a renowned Italian product. It is harvested in Nocerino County.

Crafting Your Pizza Sauce

Creating homemade pizza sauce at home is not only delicious but also easy and quick.

Choosing the Right Tomatoes

As mentioned earlier, San Marzano tomatoes are optimal for a perfect sauce. Depending on your location and season, they are available in canned and fresh forms.

Fresh San Marzano tomatoes are available in Naples between July and September, but canned options are accessible year-round and still provide an excellent flavor.

If you can’t find true “DOP” San Marzano tomatoes, opt for canned plum tomatoes with a similar taste. Regular plum tomatoes can also be quite delicious and serve as a suitable substitute for San Marzano tomatoes. The key is to choose high-quality tomatoes that will bring out the best flavors in your sauce.

Preparing the Tomatoes

To prepare fresh tomatoes for your Neapolitan pizza sauce, blanch and peel them before using. If using canned tomatoes, pour the canned Italian San Marzano tomatoes into a bowl and break them up with a potato masher or immersion blender. This process will create a chunkier sauce, a characteristic of authentic Neapolitan pizza sauce. We prefer a smooth sauce so it erases all tomato traces, ensuring my daughter remains oblivious to their existence. Blender magic at its finest!

Once your tomatoes are prepared, you may want to strain them to remove any excess liquid. This can be done using a sieve or cheesecloth, which will help achieve the desired consistency for your tomato sauce. A thicker sauce will prevent your pizza dough from becoming soggy and ensure a crispy crust.

Mixing and Seasoning

After preparing your tomatoes, it’s time to mix and season your Neapolitan pizza sauce. Blend the tomatoes until you achieve the desired chunky or smooth consistency. Season the sauce with salt, and add basil, olive oil, garlic, and salt to customize the flavor. However, remember that this sauce's essence lies in its simplicity of ingredients, so don’t overdo it with seasonings.

With your fresh pizza sauce prepared for Neapolitan pizza, you can now use it as a base for your homemade pizzas. Whether creating a classic Margherita or experimenting with your gourmet creations, this sauce will elevate your pizza to new heights of deliciousness.

Versatile Uses for Neapolitan Pizza Sauce

Neapolitan pizza sauce is perfect for classic Neapolitan pizzas and can also be used for various gourmet pizzas and other dishes.

Gourmet Pizzas

In addition to classic Neapolitan pizzas like Margherita and Pizza Marinara, Neapolitan pizza sauce can be used in various gourmet pizzas, such as Arugula pizza and Mushroom and Truffle oil pizza. The rich tomato flavor of the sauce complements the subtle flavors of these gourmet pizzas, elevating their taste to a whole new level.

Experiment with different toppings and combinations to create your unique gourmet pizzas using Neapolitan pizza sauce as a base.

Alternative Applications

Beyond pizzas, Neapolitan pizza sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for vegetables, and as a pasta sauce. Its fresh and vibrant flavor profile makes it an excellent addition to various Italian dishes, from vegan lasagna to vegan eggplant Parmesan.

With a batch of Neapolitan pizza sauce, you can quickly and easily enhance your favorite Italian recipes or create new culinary masterpieces. The sauce's versatility makes it a valuable tool in any home cook’s arsenal.

Storing and Preserving Your Homemade Sauce

After crafting your own delicious Neapolitan pizza sauce, you may find yourself with more sauce than you need for a single pizza. Fortunately, storing and preserving your homemade sauce is simple and can be done through refrigeration or freezing.

Refrigeration is the simplest and quickest way to store your sauce. Place the sauce in the sauce.

Refrigeration

To store your Neapolitan pizza sauce in the refrigerator, transfer it to an airtight jar or container. The sauce can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week, ensuring you have a fresh sauce supply for your next pizza night.

Before using the refrigerated sauce, give it a quick stir to ensure all the flavors are well-blended.

Freezing

If you want to extend the shelf life of your Neapolitan pizza sauce, you can freeze it in airtight bags or containers for up to 3-4 months.

To freeze the sauce, divide it into individual portions in freezer-safe Ziploc bags or containers. This will make it easy to freeze and use the sauce in smaller quantities as needed.

When ready to use the frozen sauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or defrost it in the microwave before using it in your recipes. The sauce will retain its rich flavor and texture, making it a convenient option for those busy weeknight dinners.

Pairing Your Sauce with Classic Neapolitan Pizzas

Now that you’ve crafted your Neapolitan pizza sauce, it’s time to pair it with classic Neapolitan pizzas. The simplicity and freshness of the sauce make it the perfect complement to Margherita and Pizza Marinara, two traditional Neapolitan pizzas that showcase the beauty of minimal ingredients and bold flavors.

These two pizzas are simple yet delicious, and the sauce perfectly brings them together.

Margherita Pizza

The Margherita is an Italian classic that rivals the best. It is a pizza made of Neapolitan pizza sauce, vegan mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each flavor to shine, creating a harmonious, satisfying, and delicious balance.

To make a Margherita pizza, spread some Neapolitan pizza sauce on your prepared pizza dough, followed by slices of vegan mozzarella cheese. Place the pizza in a preheated oven and allow it to bake until the crust becomes crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Finish the pizza with a sprinkling of fresh basil leaves, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.

Pizza Marinara

Pizza Marinara is another classic Neapolitan pizza that pairs beautifully with your homemade Neapolitan pizza sauce. This simple pizza features sauce, oregano, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. No cheese means the sauce shines, bringing out the bold tomato taste with aromatic oregano and garlic.

For a Pizza Marinara, spread Neapolitan pizza sauce on dough, then sprinkle with minced garlic and dried oregano. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until the crust is crispy and golden brown. Enjoy the simplicity and bold flavors of this classic Neapolitan pizza.

Frequently Asked Questions

See more related posts

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