detroit style pizza sauce recipe

Detroit-Style Pizza Sauce: A Flavorful Foundation

Detroit-style pizza is known for its thick, airy crust and, equally important, its distinctive sauce. Unlike traditional pizza sauces that are pre-cooked, Detroit-style sauce is typically ladled on after baking, preserving its bright, fresh tomato flavor. This article explores a simple yet authentic recipe to create this delicious topping.

What Makes Detroit-Style Pizza Sauce Unique?

The key differentiating factor is the sauce application. Traditional pizza sauce is cooked alongside the crust, melding flavors and reducing moisture. Detroit-style sauce, often made with canned crushed tomatoes, is applied after baking. This allows the sauce to retain a fresher, slightly sweeter flavor profile. Some recipes incorporate a small amount of sugar to enhance this sweetness.

The Authentic Detroit-Style Pizza Sauce Recipe

Here’s a recipe to create a delectable Detroit-style pizza sauce at home:

Ingredients:

• 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, olive oil, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar (if using).
2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Let the sauce sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This is crucial for that fresh, vibrant taste.
5. After baking your Detroit-style pizza crust, generously ladle the sauce over the top.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfecting Your Sauce

• Tomato Quality Matters: Opt for high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are a good choice if available.
• Adjust Sweetness: The sugar is optional. Taste the sauce and adjust the amount to your preference.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are convenient, fresh basil and oregano, finely chopped, will elevate the flavor even further if added after the sauce has rested.
• Consistency: This sauce is meant to be fairly thick. If it seems too watery, you can gently simmer it on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce it slightly, but be careful not to overcook it.

Learn More About Pizza Sauce

For more information about the history and variations of pizza sauce, you can refer to Wikipedia’s entry on pizza sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually meld together even more, resulting in a richer taste.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

While canned crushed tomatoes are traditional for this recipe, you can use fresh tomatoes. You’ll need to peel, seed, and crush them first, and you may need to simmer the sauce to reduce the liquid content.

How do I store leftover sauce?

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze this sauce?

Yes, this sauce freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Is Detroit-style pizza sauce spicy?

It’s generally not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicier sauce.

Summary

Crafting the perfect Detroit-style pizza sauce is simple. Using quality crushed tomatoes, a blend of dried herbs, and a touch of sweetness (if desired) creates a vibrant, fresh-tasting sauce that perfectly complements the thick, airy crust of Detroit-style pizza. Don’t forget to ladle it on after baking for that authentic experience.