Pizza sauce is the heart and soul of any great pizza. It’s what adds that burst of flavor and ties all the toppings together in a harmonious blend. While there are countless variations out there, one recipe that stands out is the Jamie Oliver-style pizza sauce. Renowned for his vibrant and simple approach to cooking, Jamie Oliver’s pizza sauce recipe promises to elevate your homemade pizza game to new heights. In this post, we’ll delve into the step-by-step process of making pizza sauce the Jamie Oliver way, ensuring your next pizza night is nothing short of spectacular.
1. Gather Your Ingredients:
Before you start, gather all the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 can (400g) of good-quality chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- A small bunch of fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
2. Preparing the Sauce:
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the can of chopped tomatoes and sprinkle in the dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Simmer and Reduce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Fresh Basil: Just before you finish cooking, tear up the fresh basil leaves and stir them into the sauce. This imparts a burst of freshness and aroma.
3. Blend or Keep Chunky:
- Smooth Sauce: If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Chunky Sauce: For a more rustic texture, you can leave the sauce as it is, with small tomato chunks and pieces of basil.
4. Taste and Adjust:
Once the sauce is ready, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.
5. Let It Cool:
Allow the sauce to cool completely before using it on your pizza. This helps the flavors develop even further and prevents the sauce from making the pizza dough soggy.
Conclusion:
Making pizza sauce in Jamie Oliver’s style is a simple yet incredibly rewarding process. By using high-quality ingredients and following Jamie’s expert tips, you can create a sauce that’s bursting with flavor and brings your homemade pizzas to life. Whether you prefer a smooth sauce or a chunky one, this recipe is versatile enough to suit all tastes. So, the next time you are craving pizza, why not make your sauce? With Jamie Oliver’s recipe as your guide, you’ll never look back.
Roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will forever alter the way you make pizza.
