Well, several years ago, I got serious about my goal (to re-create a pizzeria style pizza sauce) and started experimenting again (poor husband). Some were too garlic-y; some were too onion-y; some were too oregano-y; etc.
After dozens and dozens and dozens of pizza's, I've finally come up with the perfect blend of spices. Picky-picky husband is really smiling and making lip smacking noises when he eats my pizza these days (insert my big grin here). I hope your family likes it too.
MUCH BETTER THAN
COMMERCIAL PIZZA SAUCE !!
(1) 6 ounce can of tomato paste
1 1/2 cans of water
scant 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
scant 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves
pinch black pepper
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (don't leave out - see note)
pinch cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Heat the olive oil to medium heat in a fry pan. Add the dry seasonings and stir for about 30 seconds or so (this "wakes up" the flavors). Add everything else and whisk till smooth. Simmer slowly for about 5-10 minutes.
Note about fennel seeds: grind them up a little (spice grinder or mortar & pestle) but DON’T leave them out!!
That's it!! It's good to go immediately or you can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days (it also freezes well).
NOTE: Fennel seeds are an important part of this recipe. You can leave them whole, but I like to crush them a little in my mortar and pestle so that the flavor distributes throughout the sauce evenly.
ENJOY !!!