Pasta and Pizza Sauce

Homemade Pasta Sauce

Makes: About 7 cups

Ingredients

• 2 quarts crushed tomatoes

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp dried basil

• 1 tbsp dried oregano

• 2 tsp parsley

• 1 tsp thyme

• 1 tsp rosemary, crushed

• 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp sugar or 1 grated carrot (optional, to balance acidity)

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 bay leaves

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and sauté onion until soft.

2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

3. Stir in tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes to caramelize it.

4. Add crushed tomatoes and remaining ingredients.

5. Simmer uncovered for 45–90 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Optional additions:

• Splash of balsamic vinegar.

• Fresh basil at the end.

• Browned Italian sausage or ground beef.

Homemade Pizza Sauce

This is thicker and more concentrated so it doesn’t make your crust soggy.

Makes: About 3 cups

Ingredients

• 1 quart crushed tomatoes

• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tsp oregano

• 2 tsp basil

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

• ½ tsp fennel seed, lightly crushed (optional, gives classic pizzeria flavor)

• 1 tsp sugar or honey (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté garlic in olive oil for about 30 seconds.

2. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.

3. Add crushed tomatoes and remaining ingredients.

4. Simmer 20–30 minutes until thick.

5. Cool before spreading on pizza dough.

These recipes also work beautifully as a base for lasagna, stuffed shells, meatball subs, or homemade calzones.

Water bath can for 20 minutes depending on your elevation. Remove from bath and let cool for a full 24 hours. Remove rings, check seals, wash and store.