Did you know you can create an incredible pizza sauce with cherry tomatoes? Let me show you how to make this rich and flavorful sauce using just a few simple ingredients and about 45 minutes of active stovetop cooking time.
EQUIPMENT
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Potato masher (optional)
INGREDIENTS
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons garlic (about 5 cloves), finely chopped
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes (1.5 pounds or 680 grams), left whole
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
Sauté the Garlic
Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently until it softens. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Ingredients: ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons garlic
Add the Remaining Ingredients
Turn the heat up to medium and stir in the cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Ingredients: 4 cups cherry tomatoes, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Break Down the Tomatoes
After 5-7 minutes, the cherry tomatoes will start to soften and wrinkle. Stir frequently, gently pressing them with a wooden spoon or potato masher to help them burst open. Take care to avoid splatters and burns.
Simmer the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Allow it to cool to room temperature before spreading it on your pizza dough.
NOTES
- For the best flavor, use fresh, firm, and juicy garlic cloves. Avoid garlic that is soft or rubbery, as it’s no longer fresh.
- Take your time when sautéeing the garlic, and watch it closely—burnt garlic will ruin the sauce.
- This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of pizza sauce.
