Having lived in both Chicago and New York City, I have been wrangled into many debates on the best pizza. I’m not one to argue the merits of a thick deep-dish or a foldable thin crust. For me, the perfect pizza has always come down to the sauce. This pizza sauce recipe is tailor-made for those of us who want the sauce to be the star. It simmers on the stovetop and reduces for hours to develop a depth of flavor, and there is one unexpected secret ingredient that really makes this unique pizza sauce sing.
After adding the typical blend of tomatoes, onion, garlic, and Italian herbs, a pinch of nutmeg is stirred into the sauce. This surprising twist adds a dynamic richness. It is as if that little pinch of nutmeg somehow makes the tomatoes taste even more tomatoey. That’s the beauty of nutmeg. It is a versatile spice with chameleon qualities, and even a small amount can unite and balance a recipe in unexpected ways.
This pizza sauce can stand up to bolder toppings like crumbled Italian sausage or sautéed cremini mushrooms. I find it pairs well with perfectly melted cubes of Fontina cheese and freshly grated ricotta salata. Enjoy a slice or two with a bold Tuscan red such as Brunello di Montalcino and make an evening out of it. The recipe yields enough sauce for several pizzas, so it's the perfect amount to use for one pie now and then refrigerate or freeze the rest for future pizza nights.
—KristinaVanni
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