Aurelio’s pizza sauce recipe has been a beloved secret among pizza aficionados for years. This rich, robust sauce carries the essence of traditional Italian cooking, combining ripe tomatoes with a perfect blend of herbs and spices to uplift your homemade pizza experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to recreate the iconic taste of Aurelio’s at home, this guide will walk you through each step to achieve that legendary flavor.
Personal Experience
I remember the first time I tried Aurelio’s pizza; the sauce was a standout with its tangy, slightly sweet profile, and deep umami notes.
Recreating this sauce in my own kitchen brought back those warm, cherished moments, and it’s become a family favorite ever since.
Equipment List
- Blender or food processor
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients List
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) of crushed tomatoes
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce Recipe – Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1:
Blend the Tomatoes: Start by blending the crushed tomatoes in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Step 2:
Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 3:
Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and sugar.
Step 4:
Combine with Tomatoes: Pour the blended tomatoes into the saucepan with the garlic and herbs.
Step 5:
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6:
Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning and spices as needed.
Step 7:
Cool and Use: Let the sauce cool before spreading on your pizza dough or store it in the refrigerator for later use.
Tips for Success
- Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor, adjusting the quantity as they are more potent than dried.
- Simmering Time: Let the sauce simmer for at least 25 minutes to develop flavors, but don’t let it dry out.
- Sugar Balance: Adjust the sugar based on the acidity of the tomatoes and your taste preference.
- Consistency: For a thicker sauce, simmer with the lid off; for thinner, cover the saucepan.
- Storage: This sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for three months.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Herb Delight: Introduce fresh chopped basil or parsley in the last few minutes of simmering for fresh herbal notes.
- Creamy Texture: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Vegan Delight: Use sugar substitutes and check that all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
- Fire-Roasted Flavor: Use fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular crushed tomatoes for a smoky twist.
Conclusion
Making your Aurelio’s pizza sauce Recipe from scratch is a rewarding experience that enhances any pizza night.
This versatile sauce not only adheres to the authenticity of Aurelio’s but also allows you to customize it to your liking.
Whether you stick to the classic or adapt it with your twists, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
FAQs
How do I store leftover Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce?
Leftover sauce should be cooled to room temperature and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.
Is Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce suitable for vegans?
Yes, the basic recipe for Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce is vegan-friendly as it primarily consists of tomatoes and herbs.
Just ensure that all the ingredients, such as sugar, are suitable for a vegan diet.
Is Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients in Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce are naturally gluten-free. However, if you’re preparing this for someone with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, make sure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What type of container is best for freezing Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce?
For freezing, use airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn and maintain the best quality.
Be sure to leave some space at the top as the sauce will expand when frozen.
What is the nutritional content of Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce?
Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce is generally low in calories, with most of the calories coming from the tomatoes.
It contains no cholesterol and is low in fat, making it a healthy option when used in moderation.
Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cans 28 ounces each of crushed tomatoes
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blend the Tomatoes: Start by blending the crushed tomatoes in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and sugar.
- Combine with Tomatoes: Pour the blended tomatoes into the saucepan with the garlic and herbs.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning and spices as needed.
- Cool and Use: Let the sauce cool before spreading on your pizza dough or store it in the refrigerator for later use.
Notes
- Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor, adjusting the quantity as they are more potent than dried.
- Simmering Time: Let the sauce simmer for at least 25 minutes to develop flavors, but don’t let it dry out.
- Sugar Balance: Adjust the sugar based on the acidity of the tomatoes and your taste preference.
- Consistency: For a thicker sauce, simmer with the lid off; for thinner, cover the saucepan.
- Storage: This sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for three months.
