detroit sauce

What is Detroit Sauce? A Deep Dive into the Motor City’s Culinary Creation

Detroit sauce, often associated with Detroit-style pizza, is a distinctive marinara-based sauce known for its bright, slightly chunky texture and robust flavor. It’s typically made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and other herbs and spices, and is applied to the pizza after baking, setting it apart from many other pizza sauces.

But the term “Detroit sauce” can also refer to other sauces originating from or popular in Detroit. Let’s explore the different applications and history of this culinary term.

Detroit Sauce on Detroit-Style Pizza

The most recognizable use of “Detroit sauce” is undoubtedly on Detroit-style pizza. This rectangular pizza, baked in seasoned steel pans (originally automotive parts trays), is characterized by its crispy, cheesy edges and airy, focaccia-like crust. The sauce plays a crucial role in completing the experience. Instead of being baked under the cheese and toppings like on traditional pizzas, Detroit sauce is ladled on top of the baked pizza in dollops or lines. This method allows the sauce’s fresh flavor to shine and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.

The sauce’s composition is relatively simple, focusing on high-quality crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and sometimes a touch of red pepper flakes for heat. Some variations might include basil or other Italian herbs. What distinguishes it is not just the ingredients, but the method of application, adding a bright, tangy contrast to the rich cheese and crispy crust. Learn more about the origins of Detroit-style pizza on Wikipedia.

Other Detroit Sauces and Regional Specialties

While Detroit-style pizza sauce is the most well-known “Detroit sauce,” other regional sauces deserve mention. Detroit has a vibrant food scene, and the term might informally refer to sauces used in other local specialties. For example, coney sauce, a staple topping for Detroit-style Coney dogs, could be considered a “Detroit sauce” by some. Coney sauce typically features a meat sauce with a savory and slightly sweet flavor, made with ground beef or beef heart, spices, and often chili powder.

Furthermore, barbecue sauces originating from or popular in the Detroit area might also fall under this broad category. While not as standardized as the pizza sauce, these sauces often reflect the region’s diverse culinary influences.

Why is the Sauce Applied After Baking?

Applying the sauce after baking serves several important purposes. First, it prevents the crust from becoming soggy under the weight of the toppings and moisture in the sauce. This is particularly important for Detroit-style pizza, with its thick, focaccia-like crust. Second, it allows the sauce’s fresh, vibrant flavor to stand out against the richness of the cheese and the crispiness of the crust. Baking the sauce would mellow its flavors considerably.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of tomatoes are best for Detroit sauce?

High-quality crushed tomatoes are ideal. San Marzano tomatoes are often recommended for their balanced sweetness and acidity, but any good-quality crushed tomato will work.

Can I make Detroit sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Detroit sauce in advance. In fact, letting it sit for a few hours or even overnight can allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful sauce. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Is Detroit sauce spicy?

Detroit sauce typically has a mild flavor, but some recipes include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

What’s the difference between Detroit sauce and regular marinara?

While both are tomato-based, Detroit sauce is often chunkier and applied after baking. Regular marinara is typically smoother and cooked with the other pizza toppings.

What other dishes can I use Detroit sauce on?

Beyond pizza, Detroit sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, as a topping for pasta, or even as a base for other tomato-based sauces.

In Summary

Detroit sauce is a flavorful, marinara-based sauce most commonly associated with Detroit-style pizza, where it’s applied after baking. Its simple yet impactful ingredients create a bright, tangy counterpoint to the pizza’s rich cheese and crispy crust. While best known for its role on Detroit-style pizza, the term “Detroit sauce” can also encompass other regional sauces, reflecting Detroit’s diverse culinary landscape.