Roast Tomato Pizza Sauce
Roast Tomato Pizza Sauce is a flavorful, homemade sauce made by roasting ripe tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and herbs. The roasting process intensifies the tomato flavor, creating a rich, slightly smoky base for pizzas. Simple yet delicious, it’s a perfect complement to any pizza, offering a fresh, savory taste.
Equipment
- Baking sheet or roasting pan
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl (for mixing)
- Spoon for stirring
- Food processor or blender (optional for smooth sauce)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Roma tomatoes halved or quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Tomatoes:
- Wash the Roma tomatoes and slice them in half or quarters, depending on their size. Place them on a baking sheet or roasting pan, cut side up.
Season Tomatoes:
- Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt. Use a spoon to evenly coat the tomatoes in the seasonings.
Roast the Tomatoes:
- Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until they are soft, caramelized, and lightly charred around the edges. The tomatoes should release some juices as they cook.
Blend the Sauce:
- After roasting, remove the tomatoes from the oven. Let them cool slightly before transferring to a blender or food processor. Add the tomato paste and honey for added richness and sweetness. Blend until smooth (or leave it a bit chunky for a rustic texture).
Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or honey if necessary to balance the flavors.
Cool and Use:
- Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before using it on your pizza. It’s now ready to be spread on pizza dough and topped with your favorite ingredients.
Notes
❖ Fresh vs. Canned Tomatoes: While fresh tomatoes provide a deep, roasted flavor, you can also use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are out of season. Just be sure to select good-quality, whole peeled tomatoes for the best results.
❖ Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of honey or add a pinch of sugar. The roasted tomatoes usually provide enough natural sweetness, but this is a personal preference.
❖ Make It Your Own: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a little chili for a spicy kick. This recipe is incredibly versatile!