🧑🍳 Stuff to Know Before You Start
Tomato Sauce Base: Using a 15 oz. can of plain tomato sauce lets you control all the flavors with your own herbs and seasonings.
Herb Harmony: Thyme, basil, and fennel add a distinctly Italian flair. Feel free to add oregano or rosemary if you have them on hand.
Onion & Garlic: Minced onion and garlic form the aromatic backbone of this sauce. Take your time sautéing them for the best flavor.
Simmering Secret: Letting the sauce cook uncovered helps it thicken and concentrate. Watch for splatters and stir occasionally.
🥄 Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup onion, minced
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp crushed fennel seeds
- Salt & pepper to taste
📝 Step by Step
Sweeten & Soften
Warm 2 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add ½ cup minced onion and 1 tsp sugar. Lower heat and let the onions cook gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Garlic Boost
Stir in 1 clove minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Build the Flavor
Lower heat further and add 15 oz tomato sauce, ¼ tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp dried basil, and ¼ tsp crushed fennel seeds. Stir well and let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Adjust & Top Your Pizza
Taste and add salt & pepper as needed. Once the sauce is thick and flavorful, remove it from the heat. Spread on pizza dough, top with favorite cheeses or vegan alternatives, and bake as desired.
🍽️ How to Use This Delicious Red Sauce
- Classic Pizza: Spread on your dough and top with mozzarella or vegan cheese, then bake.
- Calzones or Stromboli: Use it inside the dough for a saucy interior.
- Marinara Dipping: Serve alongside breadsticks, garlic knots, or mozzarella sticks (vegan or dairy).
🧠 The Science Behind Success
Caramelizing Onions & Sugar: Adding sugar early helps the onions caramelize faster, creating a sweet-savory base.
Herbal Harmony: Thyme, basil, and fennel bring out a classic Italian nuance. Feel free to tailor the herb blend to your liking.
📖 Bonjour, Mes Amours!
This homemade red sauce brings a French-inspired bonjour to your Italian-style pizza night. The sautéed onions, a hint of sugar, and aromatic herbs create a luscious base that’s versatile enough for any pizza toppings.
Whether you’re rolling out dough on a flipped cookie sheet or pulling out a fancy pizza stone, a great sauce is half the battle. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to sneak a taste test right from the pan!
❓ Reader Questions Answered
Absolutely. Just cook them down until they release most of their water. You might need a bit more time to reach a thick consistency.
You can omit it, but it helps balance the acidity of tomatoes and speeds onion caramelization. Maple syrup or a pinch of sweetener can also work.
Yes! A pinch of oregano, red pepper flakes, or rosemary can deepen the flavor even more. Season to taste.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before use.