Difference Pizza Sauce And Spaghetti Sauce
Pizza and spaghetti are two of the most popular Italian dishes enjoyed all over the world. They are both typically made with tomato sauce as the base, but the question often arises, what is the difference between pizza sauce and spaghetti sauce? In this article, we will explore the different ingredients, cooking methods, and flavors of these two sauces.
Pizza Sauce
Pizza sauce is a tomato-based sauce that is specifically made for pizza. It is usually thicker and less chunky than spaghetti sauce. The main ingredients of pizza sauce are tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Some recipes may also include herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme.
The tomatoes used in pizza sauce are typically Roma tomatoes, which are firmer and have fewer seeds than other varieties. The tomatoes are first blanched, peeled, and then pureed to create a smooth consistency. The garlic is usually minced and sautéed in olive oil before being added to the tomato mixture. The herbs are added towards the end of the cooking process to preserve their flavor.
Pizza sauce is usually cooked for a shorter period of time than spaghetti sauce as it is intended to be used as a topping on a pizza that will be baked in the oven. The sauce is spread on the pizza crust before adding toppings like cheese, meat, or vegetables.
Spaghetti Sauce
Spaghetti sauce, also known as marinara sauce, is a tomato-based sauce that is used as a topping for pasta dishes. It is typically thinner and more chunky than pizza sauce. The main ingredients of spaghetti sauce are tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Some recipes may also include herbs like oregano, basil, or parsley.
The tomatoes used in spaghetti sauce are typically San Marzano tomatoes, which are sweeter and less acidic than other varieties. The tomatoes are usually crushed or diced and then simmered with the onions and garlic. The herbs are added towards the end of the cooking process to preserve their flavor.
Spaghetti sauce is usually cooked for a longer period of time than pizza sauce as it is intended to be served as a main dish with pasta. The sauce is usually served over cooked spaghetti noodles and can be topped with grated cheese or meatballs.
The Differences in Flavor
The main difference between pizza sauce and spaghetti sauce is their flavor. Pizza sauce is typically more savory and has a stronger garlic flavor, while spaghetti sauce is typically sweeter and has a stronger onion flavor. The herbs used in both sauces can also affect their flavor profiles. Pizza sauce usually has a stronger presence of oregano, while spaghetti sauce usually has a stronger presence of basil.
Conclusion
While pizza sauce and spaghetti sauce are both tomato-based sauces, they have distinct differences in their ingredients, cooking methods, and flavors. Pizza sauce is thicker, less chunky, and has a stronger garlic flavor, while spaghetti sauce is thinner, more chunky, and has a sweeter flavor. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right sauce for your recipe and make your dish taste even better.