Rustic Pizza Sauce

Simple, rustic pizza sauce that is ready in a snap!

Pizza tends to be one of those diet killer foods because it contains a lot of fat, salt, sugar, and carbs. This pizza sauce can be a chunky, rustic sauce or you can make it smooth. It is salt and sugar free but delivers a fresh, margarita pizza flavor.

My preference is to make it more on the rustic side with limited seasonings. You can add other spices like oregano and thyme if you prefer. You can also spice it up by adding red pepper flakes.

With this sauce, and my Italian style sausage and crust, you can enjoy a healthier pizza option with all the flavors you love.

Rustic Pizza Sauce

This recipe is enough for one pizza.

Ingredients

• 1 14.5 oz can of no salt added petite diced tomatoes

• 2 tbsp no salt added tomato paste

• 1 1/2 tsp olive oil

• 1 oz red wine (optional; vodka also adds great flavor)

• 1 tbsp fresh basil

• A pinch of fresh chopped parsley (optional)

• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

• 1 small shallot finely chopped (or 2 cloves of garlic)

Directions

1. Finely dice the shallot (or garlic).

2. Warm olive oil in a medium sauce pot over medium low heat.

3. Add shallots and saute for 2-3 minutes (until translucent).

4. Add tomato paste and stir frequently until the paste mixes with the shallots and starts to darken. The darker the color (without burning) the more the flavor increases.

5. Add remaining ingredients and stir to mix thoroughly.

6. Bring sauce to a simmer and reduce the liquid by a third.

7. Blend the sauce using an immersion blender (you can move it to a blender or food processor as well just be cautious as the sauce is hot). Blend until your desired smoothness.

8. Continue to cook until it thickens and reduces by about half.

9. Cool slightly and top the pizza crust and add ingredients you enjoy.

You can double or triple the sauce and freeze what you don't use for future pizzas.

Alternate Serving Suggestion

Make a tasty appetizer by placing the sauce in a small casserole dish, top it with ricotta or mozzarella cheese and warm in the oven at 350°F until the cheese melts and browns slightly. Serve warm with french bread or crackers.