Difference In Pizza Sauce And Spaghetti Sauce
When it comes to Italian cuisine, there are a lot of similarities between dishes. Many of them use the same ingredients, but they are combined in different ways to create unique flavors and textures. One of the biggest questions people have is about the difference in pizza sauce and spaghetti sauce. While they may seem similar, there are key differences that make them better suited for their respective dishes.
Pizza Sauce
Pizza sauce is a tomato-based sauce that is used on pizza crusts. It is typically made with crushed or pureed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and basil. The sauce is usually thick and chunky, with small pieces of tomato throughout. Some recipes may also include sugar or honey to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
The sauce is often applied in a thin layer on top of the pizza crust, leaving space around the edges for the crust to crisp up. It is then topped with cheese and any desired toppings before being baked in the oven. The sauce helps to bind the toppings to the crust and provides a burst of flavor with each bite.
Spaghetti Sauce
Spaghetti sauce, also known as marinara sauce, is a tomato-based sauce that is used on pasta dishes. It is typically made with crushed or pureed tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs such as basil and oregano. The sauce is usually smooth and thin, with no chunks of tomato.
The sauce is often simmered for a longer period of time to allow the flavors to meld together. It is then tossed with cooked pasta and served with grated Parmesan cheese. The sauce helps to coat the pasta evenly and provides a savory flavor that complements the pasta.
Differences
While both pizza sauce and spaghetti sauce are tomato-based, there are several key differences that set them apart. The first is the texture. Pizza sauce is chunky, while spaghetti sauce is smooth. This is because pizza sauce is meant to hold toppings in place, while spaghetti sauce is meant to coat the pasta.
The second difference is the seasoning. Pizza sauce typically contains more herbs and spices, such as oregano and basil, to give it a more robust flavor. Spaghetti sauce, on the other hand, usually contains fewer herbs and spices to allow the tomato flavor to shine through.
Finally, pizza sauce is usually sweeter than spaghetti sauce. This is because the acidity of the tomatoes can be overwhelming on a pizza, so a little bit of sugar or honey is added to balance it out. Spaghetti sauce, on the other hand, does not need to be as sweet because it is served with pasta, which helps to balance out the acidity.
Conclusion
While pizza sauce and spaghetti sauce may seem similar, they are actually quite different. Pizza sauce is thick and chunky, with more herbs and spices and a sweeter taste. Spaghetti sauce is smooth and thin, with fewer herbs and spices and a more savory flavor. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right sauce for your next Italian-inspired meal.