Pizza is a favorite meal in homes throughout Canada, providing an ideal combination of flavors and textures. Whether you like it with a crunchy crust, a cheesy topping, or an inventive combination of fresh ingredients, pizza caters to all tastes. Yet, if you want to turn things around and try a healthier option that is just as tasty, preparing your own Sauce Pizza Maison (homemade pizza sauce) is a great option.
Here in this blog, we will take you through a healthy and gourmet recipe for homemade pizza sauce that you can enjoy with your preferred crust and toppings. With the foundation of traditional pasta sauce, this recipe lets you bring the taste of Italy to your home while maintaining your health objectives intact. Continue reading to learn how to prepare this easy, delicious, and adaptable sauce that’ll revolutionize your pizza nights!
Why Make your Own Sauce Maison?
Let’s first talk about why preparing your pizza sauce from scratch is the better, healthier alternative to using store-bought versions.
- Fewer Sugar & Salt: Commercial pizza sauces tend to be chock-full of preservatives, added sugars, and salt. With you in charge, making it yourself ensures that your sauce does not have these unnecessary additions.
- Fresh Ingredients: The homemade pizza sauce enables you to add fresh herbs and vegetables so that the sauce is loaded with nutrients. Applying seasonal fruits makes the flavors intense, thereby delivering an original flavor to the pizza.
- Customizable Taste: Whatever your liking for tangy tomato sauce or rich white sauce, the most wonderful thing about homemade pizza sauce is that you can make it according to your taste. You can adjust the intensity of garlic, spices, or herbs to your taste.
Ingredients for Sauce Pizza Maison
To make this healthy and delicious pizza sauce, you’ll require the following ingredients:
For the Classic Pasta Sauce:
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes – Use organic or no-salt-added ones to minimize the sodium.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Full of healthy fats, which adds flavor and sautés the garlic.
- 1 small onion – Chopped very finely.
- 2 garlic cloves – Minced.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – A traditional Italian herb that gives it flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – Provides an aromatic sweet flavor.
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes – Optional, to add a touch of heat.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste – Gives the sauce richness and depth.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
- Optional Add-ins:
- Fresh basil – To give it a fragrant finish.
- A dash of balsamic vinegar – To introduce a subtle tang.
- A pinch of sugar – Only if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
Instructions: How to Make the Perfect Sauce Pizza Maison
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s get to creating this healthy and delicious homemade pizza sauce.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating some olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Place the onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and soft. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds or so, but do not burn it.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Herbs
When the garlic is aromatic, add in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir them well and allow the mixture to simmer. Next, add in the oregano, basil, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Season according to your taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring every now and then to prevent sticking.
The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will meld together, creating a rich and vibrant sauce. You can also blend the sauce for a smoother texture, depending on your preference.
Step 3: Final Touches
After the sauce is thickened and the flavors are nicely blended together, taste it and season it if necessary. If you like it sweeter, add a pinch of sugar or a drop of balsamic vinegar for a touch of acidity.
If you have some fresh basil, tear it and add it to the sauce for a burst of freshness. Take the sauce off the heat and let it cool for a minute or two before spreading it on your pizza dough.
Step 4: Use and Store
This sauce can be used not just on pizzas but also as a dipping sauce or even as a pasta base. For leftovers, keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze it and have pizza night later!
Assembling Your Healthy Pizza
Now that your Sauce Pizza Maison is prepared, it’s time to put together your pizza. Roll out your preferred whole wheat or cauliflower crust for a more nutritious base. Spread a considerable amount of your homemade sauce at the top and then top with your preferred topping, be it fresh vegetables, lean meat, or a topping of low-fat mozzarella cheese.
For a little added health kick, try topping with spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even grilled chicken. The options are limitless!
Why This Sauce is Healthy and Gourmande
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are packed with vitamins and antioxidants and are widely recognized for their health benefits, such as improving heart health and reducing inflammation.
Olive Oil: A Mediterranean diet staple, olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to reduce levels of bad cholesterol and promote overall well-being.
Herbs and Garlic: Packed with flavor, herbs such as basil and oregano contain antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory. Garlic, which is a great immune booster, provides an added depth of flavor.
No Unnecessary Additives: Through homemade preparation of this pizza sauce, you ensure that your food is preservative-free, free from artificial sugars, and does not contain unwanted chemicals that come with most supermarket sauces.
Preparing your own Sauce Pizza Maison is not just a creative and enjoyable process but also a great way to indulge in a healthier pizza. With the use of fresh, natural ingredients and with the ability to regulate the quantity of salt and sugar, you can make a delicious, healthy sauce that suits any pizza.
So the next time you have a pizza night, forgo the pre-packaged sauces and try this easy and healthy recipe. Bon appétit!
