Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Sauce Recipe

Neapolitan pizza is famous for its simplicity, with a focus on high-quality ingredients that create a perfect balance of flavors. The sauce is a key component of this pizza, and it's surprisingly easy to make. Authentic Neapolitan pizza sauce is raw, fresh, and unadulterated, allowing the natural flavors of the tomatoes to shine through. If you’re looking to create a truly authentic Neapolitan pizza at home, this sauce recipe will help you achieve that. Let’s dive into the details of making a traditional Neapolitan pizza sauce!

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What is Neapolitan Pizza Sauce?

Neapolitan pizza sauce is a classic, minimalist sauce made from just a few simple ingredients: ripe tomatoes, salt, and sometimes a bit of basil. The key to this sauce is its raw preparation – the tomatoes are crushed by hand or passed through a food mill, but they are not cooked before being spread on the pizza dough. This method preserves the fresh, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor of the tomatoes, which complements the light, airy crust of a Neapolitan pizza. The sauce is applied sparingly to avoid overwhelming the pizza’s other components, such as fresh mozzarella and basil.

Ingredients List for Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Sauce

To make an authentic Neapolitan pizza sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 can (14-16 oz) of whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes (or other high-quality Italian tomatoes)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
• 2-3 fresh basil leaves (optional)
• 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

While simplicity is key in authentic Neapolitan pizza sauce, here are some substitutions and variations you can consider:

• Tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes are the gold standard, but if you can’t find them, use any high-quality canned whole peeled tomatoes. If you have access to ripe, fresh tomatoes, you can use those instead.
• Salt: Sea salt is preferred for its natural flavor, but you can use kosher salt or table salt if needed. Adjust the quantity to taste.
• Basil: Fresh basil is traditional and adds a wonderful aroma. However, it’s optional, and some purists prefer to skip it in the sauce, adding basil leaves directly to the pizza instead.
• Olive Oil: Some recipes call for a small amount of extra virgin olive oil to be added to the sauce for richness. This is optional and can be drizzled on the pizza just before baking instead.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making authentic Neapolitan pizza sauce is incredibly simple and quick. Follow these steps to achieve a perfect sauce every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

1. Drain the Tomatoes: Open the can of tomatoes and pour off any excess liquid. You want the tomatoes to be slightly thick and not too watery.
2. Crush the Tomatoes: Place the drained tomatoes in a bowl. Using your hands, crush the tomatoes until you reach a slightly chunky consistency. Alternatively, you can use a food mill or pulse them in a blender for a smoother sauce, but avoid pureeing them completely. The sauce should still have some texture.

Step 2: Season the Sauce

1. Add Salt: Sprinkle the sea salt over the crushed tomatoes. Stir gently to combine. Taste the sauce and add more salt if needed, but be careful not to over-season.
2. Add Basil (Optional): If you’re using fresh basil, tear a few leaves by hand and gently mix them into the sauce. Some people prefer to add the basil directly to the pizza rather than into the sauce, which is also fine.
3. Add Olive Oil (Optional): If you like, drizzle in a tablespoon or two of extra virgin olive oil and stir it into the sauce for added richness.

Step 3: Use the Sauce

1. Spread on the Dough: Your Neapolitan pizza sauce is now ready to use. Spoon the sauce directly onto your pizza dough, spreading it in a thin, even layer. Remember, less is more – traditional Neapolitan pizza has only a light coating of sauce.
2. Add Toppings and Bake: Top the sauce with fresh mozzarella and any other toppings you desire, then bake your pizza in a very hot oven (ideally with a pizza stone) until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this sauce is simple, there are a few mistakes to avoid to ensure the best results:

• Using the Wrong Tomatoes: The flavor of your sauce heavily depends on the quality of the tomatoes. Always opt for high-quality canned tomatoes, preferably San Marzano, or fresh ripe tomatoes if in season.
• Over-Blending the Tomatoes: Avoid pureeing the tomatoes too much. The sauce should have some texture, with small chunks of tomato present.
• Over-Seasoning: Neapolitan pizza sauce is meant to be simple and let the natural sweetness of the tomatoes shine. Avoid adding too much salt or other seasonings that might overpower the tomato flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here’s how to best serve and present your Neapolitan pizza with this sauce:

1. Simple Presentation: Neapolitan pizza is all about simplicity. Serve the pizza as soon as it’s out of the oven, perhaps with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few fresh basil leaves on top.
2. Side Dish Pairing: Serve your Neapolitan pizza with a fresh green salad, perhaps with arugula and shaved Parmesan, and a light red wine like Chianti or a crisp white like Pinot Grigio.
3. Rustic Style: Present the pizza on a wooden board or a pizza stone for a rustic, authentic feel. Cut the pizza into quarters and serve immediately.

How to Serve Neapolitan Pizza Sauce

Neapolitan pizza sauce is best served fresh and uncooked on homemade pizza. Here are a few ways to use it:

• Pizza Margherita: The classic combination of this sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil is the quintessential Neapolitan pizza. Top with a drizzle of olive oil and bake until bubbly.
• Pizza Marinara: Another traditional option is Pizza Marinara, which features this sauce with just a bit of garlic, oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil, no cheese.
• Custom Pizzas: Use this sauce as a base for any toppings you like, but remember to keep it simple to stay true to the Neapolitan style.

Neapolitan Pizza Sauce Tips

To make sure your sauce is the best it can be, keep these tips in mind:

• Use San Marzano Tomatoes: Whenever possible, use San Marzano tomatoes for the most authentic flavor.
• Don’t Cook the Sauce: Authentic Neapolitan pizza sauce is always raw. Cooking the sauce will change its flavor profile and make it less fresh-tasting.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, but remember that it should be light and fresh, not overly seasoned.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Yes, if you have access to fresh, ripe tomatoes, you can use them. Simply blanch the tomatoes to remove the skins, then crush them by hand just as you would with canned tomatoes.

Q: How long can I store Neapolitan pizza sauce?
A: This sauce is best used fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days in an airtight container. Stir well before using.

Q: Can I freeze Neapolitan pizza sauce?
A: Yes, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and thaw it in the refrigerator before using. Note that the texture might change slightly after freezing.

Q: What other dishes can I use this sauce for?
A: While it’s designed for pizza, this sauce can also be used as a simple pasta sauce or as a base for bruschetta.

Conclusion

Authentic Neapolitan pizza sauce is all about simplicity and freshness. With just a few high-quality ingredients, you can create a sauce that perfectly complements the light and airy crust of a Neapolitan pizza. Whether you’re making a classic Margherita or experimenting with your own toppings, this sauce is the ideal foundation. So, grab some good tomatoes, follow these steps, and enjoy the taste of an authentic Neapolitan pizza right at home!

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