Fig and Herb Pizza Sauce

This sauce blends the sweetness of figs with the aromatic flavors of basil and oregano, creating a beautifully rich and vibrant base for your pizza. Perfect for a unique twist on classic pizza night!

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh or canned crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
• 1/2 cup fresh figs, chopped (or dried figs, chopped and rehydrated)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for extra depth)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté the Garlic:

   • In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

2. Add Tomatoes and Figs:

   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chopped figs. Mix well to combine.

3. Season the Sauce:

   • Add the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar (if using). If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes as well.
   • Stir until everything is well combined.

4. Simmer the Sauce:

   • Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Blend (Optional):

   • For a smoother sauce, you can blend the mixture using an immersion blender or transfer it to a blender and pulse until you reach your desired consistency.

6. Taste and Adjust:

   • Before using, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a tiny bit of sugar to balance the acidity.

7. Use or Store:

   • Use the sauce immediately on your pizza crust, or let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It also freezes well if you want to make a batch ahead of time!

Flavor Profile

This Fig and Herb Pizza Sauce is wonderfully balanced, with the sweetness of the figs enhancing the natural acidity of the tomatoes, while the basil and oregano provide aromatic depth. The combination results in a unique yet comforting sauce that will take your pizza to the next level!