Quick vegan pizza sauce is a delicious, easy-to-make option for anyone looking to enjoy a plant-based version of the classic tomato-based sauce we all know and love on pizzas. It harnesses the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes complemented by a blend of herbs, spices, and other vegan-friendly ingredients.
The foundation of this sauce is usually a tomato base, which can come from canned tomatoes, tomato paste, or fresh tomatoes that have been cooked down. To achieve the desired consistency and depth of flavor, one typically simmers the tomatoes with ingredients such as sautéed garlic, olive oil, and a selection of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
In creating a vegan pizza sauce, it is important to consider the subtleties that come from not using any cheese or animal products in the sauce itself. Sweeteners, if needed, can include options like organic cane sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar. A dash of salt, black pepper, and sometimes a hint of chili flakes can be added to enhance the overall taste while keeping it within vegan dietary preferences.
This type of sauce is not only quick to whip up but also highly versatile. It can be used as a traditional pizza base, layered underneath your favorite plant-based toppings, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks and vegan appetizers. With the ease of preparation, quick vegan pizza sauce is suitable for both spur-of-the-moment meals and planned gatherings, offering a robust and authentic flavor without the need for complex cooking techniques or lengthy simmering times.
Quick Vegan Pizza Sauce Recipe
Quick Vegan Pizza Sauce
Equipment
- 1 bowl of a blender
- 1 air tight container
Ingredients
- 15 oz. crushed fire roasted tomatoes or high quality brand of crushed
- tomatoes.
- 1 small clove garlic roughly chopped
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in bowl of a blender and blend until smooth. The sauce will have a slightly runnier texture than the regular American pizza sauce styles.
- Transfer sauce in an air tight container and keep in the fridge until time of serving, use within a week or you can freeze and use within 3 months.
Notes
can make use of any high brand of crushed tomatoes.
Cooking Tips about Quick Vegan Pizza Sauce
- Choose Quality Tomatoes: The tomatoes form the foundation of your pizza sauce, so select high-quality canned tomatoes or fresh ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. San Marzano or Roma tomatoes are excellent choices for their rich taste and fewer seeds.
- Simmer to Develop Flavor: Even though it’s a “quick” sauce, allow enough time for your sauce to simmer. This helps concentrate the flavors, meld the spices, and reduce the sauce to the desired thickness.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the herbs and spices. Oregano, basil, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper are essential to create that classic pizza sauce flavor. Fresh herbs can add a vibrant taste, but dried herbs work well too.
- Adjust Thickness: Some like their pizza sauce thick, while others prefer it more spreadable. You can adjust the sauce’s consistency by simmering it for longer if you want it thicker, or adding a little water or vegetable stock if you prefer it thinner.
- Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a smooth sauce without chunks, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Balance the Acidity: Occasionally, tomatoes can be quite acidic. If your sauce tastes too tart, balance it out with a small amount of sweetener—organic cane sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar are all vegan-friendly options.
- Use Quality Olive Oil: A good olive oil can add a wonderful depth of flavor to your pizza sauce. Use extra-virgin olive oil for sautéing garlic or as a finishing oil before spreading the sauce on your pizza dough.
- Cook Garlic Gently: When sautéing garlic, ensure it’s cooked gently over low heat to avoid burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor to your otherwise tasty sauce.
- Freeze Extras: Make a larger batch than needed and freeze the leftover sauce in portion-sized containers or ice cube trays. This way, you’ll have quick and easy homemade sauce ready for future pizza nights.
- Get Creative with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with non-traditional ingredients such as roasted red peppers, smoked paprika, sun-dried tomatoes, or a splash of balsamic vinegar to create a customized pizza sauce that suits your tastes.
Serving suggestions about Quick Vegan Pizza Sauce
- Classic Vegan Pizza: Use it as a base on your favorite pizza crust and top with an array of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, artichokes, vegan cheese, and meat substitutes.
- Pasta Sauce: Take advantage of its rich flavors by serving it over pasta. It’s great for a quick spaghetti dish or as part of a layered vegan lasagna.
- Dipping Sauce: Consider it as a dip for breadsticks, vegan mozzarella sticks, or even vegetable crudités for a tasty appetizer.
- Stuffed Vegetables: Fill hollowed-out zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers with a mixture of grains or vegan meats, top with vegan pizza sauce, and bake.
- Sandwich Spread: Elevate your sandwiches or wraps by using the sauce as a zesty spread. It pairs well with Italian-flavored fillings.
- Sloppy Joes: Mix it into sautéed vegan crumbles for a plant-based take on Sloppy Joes.
- Calzones: Encase the sauce with vegan cheese and your choice of fillings in a folded pizza dough pocket and bake until golden brown.
- Stew Base: Begin a hearty vegetable stew by using the sauce as a flavorful starting point.
- Ratatouille: Add a touch of this sauce to a ratatouille for a deeper tomato element within the traditional French dish.
- Shakshuka: Attempt a vegan version of shakshuka by simmering the sauce and adding tofu instead of eggs to create a breakfast feast.
Top 5 FAQs about Quick Vegan Pizza Sauce
- What makes a pizza sauce vegan? A vegan pizza sauce ensures that no animal products are used in its creation. This means omitting cheese and any other dairy or meat-based ingredients that might be found in some traditional pizza sauces. Instead, it relies on plant-based ingredients like tomatoes, herbs, spices, and sometimes sweeteners like organic cane sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar.
- Can I use store-bought canned tomatoes for quick vegan pizza sauce? Yes, you can use store-bought canned tomatoes to make quick vegan pizza sauce. In fact, high-quality canned tomatoes, such as San Marzano tomatoes, are recommended for their rich flavor. Make sure to check the ingredients for any non-vegan additives.
- How can I achieve the desired thickness for my vegan pizza sauce? Adjust the sauce’s consistency by simmering it for a longer time if you want it thicker, or add water or vegetable stock if you prefer it thinner. You can also use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the sauce and reach your desired consistency.
- Is it possible to freeze quick vegan pizza sauce for later use? Absolutely, freezing is an excellent way to store extra vegan pizza sauce. Freeze it in portion-sized containers or ice cube trays for convenient use in future pizza-making sessions.
- How can I add more flavor to my vegan pizza sauce? Don’t hesitate to generously season your sauce with herbs and spices. Oregano, basil, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper are key for a classic flavor. You can also experiment with non-traditional ingredients such as roasted red peppers, smoked paprika, sun-dried tomatoes, or a splash of balsamic vinegar to create a customized taste. Using quality olive oil for sautéing and incorporating a balance of acidity with sweeteners can further enhance the flavor.
In conclusion, quick vegan pizza sauce is an excellent choice for anyone looking to indulge in the classic flavors of a rich tomato-based sauce without the use of animal products. By focusing on high-quality tomatoes and combining them with a thoughtful blend of herbs, spices, and, when necessary, a touch of sweetness from vegan-friendly sources, this sauce achieves the depth and zest that pizza lovers crave.
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