Easy Pizza Sauce

This simple sauce will make the most of homemade pizza and can be used in place of marinara for a slightly different spin on your favorite saucy recipes.

Yield: approximately 3 cups

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (not diced tomatoes)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (could use a mix of dried basil, oregano and thyme)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds. Pour the crushed tomatoes into the saucepan. Stir in the Italian herbs, salt and pepper; bring to a simmer. (Be careful of your clothing because it may splatter; partially cover with a lid if desired.) Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired. (See notes for other options.)
Use immediately or cool and refrigerate in an airtight container or jar for up to a week. Freezes well, too.

If you have time, you may let the sauce sit over low heat for 15 minutes or so. The flavors will continue to blend and improve as the sauce sits overnight in the fridge, so feel free to make ahead.
If you prefer a hint of sweetness in your sauce, you may add a 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, or a bit more to taste, along with the other seasonings. Sugar tempers the acid of the tomatoes—which can be more noticeable in canned tomatoes–and rounds out the flavor.
In a pinch, you may substitute 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for the freshly minced garlic. In this case, add it with the Italian herbs.
As another option, add a pinch or two or red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.