It was a crisp autumn evening in New York City, and the air was filled with the tantalizing smell of fresh pizza. As I stood in a bustling pizzeria in Brooklyn, I couldn’t help but wonder: what makes that classic New York style pizza sauce so special? My taste buds were in for a treat as I took my first bite.
The sauce was rich, tangy, and bursting with fresh flavors. It was a moment I wanted to recreate in my own kitchen. Therefore, I immersed myself in research, experimentations, and tastings to uncover the secrets of that New York staple.
What is New York Style Pizza Sauce?
At its core, New York style pizza sauce is a simple yet flavorful combination of tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and spices. The sauce embodies the essence of Italian-American cuisine. It’s known for its zesty flavor and thick consistency, making it perfect for holding its own against a classic New York pizza’s crispy crust.
Many people think pizza sauce is just crushed tomatoes. It’s more than that. This sauce typically includes sautéed garlic and onion, along with a blend of herbs like oregano and basil. It’s often seasoned with a hint of red pepper flakes, which adds just enough kick.
Why You’ll Love This New York Style Pizza Sauce
Why is this sauce so beloved? Let me count the ways!
Flavor Explosion: The balance of acidity from tomatoes and sweetness from herbs creates a deep flavor profile.
Versatility: Use it on pizza, pasta, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. It’s a culinary chameleon.
Easy to Make: You don’t need a culinary degree. If you can chop onions and stir a pot, you can make this sauce.
Healthier Option: Compared to store-bought sauces, you control the ingredients, avoiding added sugars and preservatives.
Homemade Goodness: There’s something comforting about creating a sauce from scratch that you can spread on a crispy slice of pizza.
The Ingredients
Creating an exceptional New York style pizza sauce requires a short list of quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 medium garlic cloves, finely minced (about 2 teaspoons)
¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon balsamic vinegar
6 ounces tomato paste for richness
14 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes
2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil leaves
1 teaspoon granulated sugar to balance acidity
Step by Step Instructions
Ready to dive in? Let’s make some New York style pizza sauce!
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion. Cook until softened, approximately 4-5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute or until fragrant. Keep an eye on it—garlic can go from aromatic to burnt in a heartbeat!
Step 2: Add in the Tomatoes
Pour in the canned whole peeled tomatoes along with their juice into the pan. Using a wooden spoon, break the tomatoes apart as they cook. After that, mix in the tomato paste, creating a thick, rich consistency. Don’t worry about the mess; it will become magic as it simmers!
Step 3: Spice it Up
Now, introduce the dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Each spice plays an important role, melding together to make the sauce more complex. Stir it all together, and you will see the ingredients come together beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to cook for about 20 minutes. This is where the flavors truly deepen. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Finish with Freshness
As you near the end of cooking, add the freshly chopped basil and granulated sugar to balance the acidity. Give it a good stir, and let it simmer for a few more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Your sauce is ready!
Tips & Tricks
Use Quality Tomatoes: Opt for San Marzano tomatoes if available. They add authentic Italian flavor.
Fresh Herbs Are Key: Try to use fresh basil rather than dried for a brighter flavor.
Balance Acidity: The amount of sugar can vary depending on the tomatoes’ natural sweetness. Always taste your sauce.
Let It Chill: For best results, let the sauce sit for a few hours or overnight. Flavors meld and intensify over time.
Keep It Simple: Resist the urge to overcomplicate with too many ingredients. Simplicity is part of the charm.
Nutrition Information
Let’s talk numbers. Each serving of this New York style pizza sauce (about ½ cup) contains approximately:
Calories: 80
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 9g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 2g
Can I Store New York Style Pizza Sauce?
Absolutely! This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully. When properly sealed, it can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before you need it.
What Can I Serve with New York Style Pizza Sauce?
This sauce is not limited to just pizza. Here are some ideas to enjoy it:
Pasta Dishes: Toss with your favorite pasta shape for a quick meal.
Meatball Subs: Spread on a hoagie roll and layer with meatballs and cheese.
Dipping Sauce: Pair with breadsticks or garlic knots for a delicious appetizer.
Shakshuka Base: Use it as a base for shakshuka, adding eggs directly into the simmering sauce.
Pizza Rolls: Brush on dough with cheese and toppings for a fun appetizer.
Variations
Looking to mix it up? Here are five variations to try, each adding its unique flavor profile:
Spicy Arrabbiata: Add more red pepper flakes and some chopped fresh chili for a fiery kick.
Herb Garden Blend: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley for a more herbal flavor.
Smoky BBQ Fusion: Mix in some smoked paprika and a tablespoon of brown sugar for a sweet and smoky barbecue vibe.
Olive Tapenade: Blend in finely chopped olives for a briny flavor.
Creamy Tomato Sauce: Stir in heavy cream after simmering for a rich, creamy twist.
Conclusion
As I wrap up this culinary adventure, I feel a new sense of accomplishment. I’ve surpassed mere curiosity and transformed it into a recipe I can cherish for years. The New York style pizza sauce is not just another condiment; it’s a gateway to bringing friends and family together.
This journey enhanced my kitchen skills, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. So, gather ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive in. You’ll find that not only does making your sauce from scratch infuse your dish with complex flavors, but it also turns every kitchen moment into an experience. Enjoy your New York style pizza sauce, and may it spark many delightful gatherings!
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New York Style Pizza Sauce – Easy Family Meal
Description
It was a crisp autumn evening in New York City, and the air was filled with the tantalizing smell of fresh pizza. As I stood in a bustling pizzeria in Brooklyn, I couldn't help but wonder: what makes that classic New York style pizza sauce so special? My taste buds were in for a treat as I took my first bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
-
Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion. Cook until softened, approximately 4-5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute or until fragrant. Keep an eye on it—garlic can go from aromatic to burnt in a heartbeat!
Step 2: Add in the Tomatoes
-
Pour in the canned whole peeled tomatoes along with their juice into the pan. Using a wooden spoon, break the tomatoes apart as they cook. After that, mix in the tomato paste, creating a thick, rich consistency. Don’t worry about the mess; it will become magic as it simmers!
Step 3: Spice it Up
-
Now, introduce the dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Each spice plays an important role, melding together to make the sauce more complex. Stir it all together, and you will see the ingredients come together beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
-
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to cook for about 20 minutes. This is where the flavors truly deepen. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 5: Finish with Freshness
-
As you near the end of cooking, add the freshly chopped basil and granulated sugar to balance the acidity. Give it a good stir, and let it simmer for a few more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Your sauce is ready!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 80kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 9g3%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use Quality Tomatoes: Opt for San Marzano tomatoes if available. They add authentic Italian flavor.
- Fresh Herbs Are Key: Try to use fresh basil rather than dried for a brighter flavor.
- Balance Acidity: The amount of sugar can vary depending on the tomatoes’ natural sweetness. Always taste your sauce.
- Let It Chill: For best results, let the sauce sit for a few hours or overnight. Flavors meld and intensify over time.
- Keep It Simple: Resist the urge to overcomplicate with too many ingredients. Simplicity is part of the charm.
