Mediterranean Herbs for Homemade Pizza Sauce

By Cherry Crawford July 7, 2023 15 mins read 91 Views

Herbs can be added to homemade pizza sauce to add depth and complexity to the flavor. They can also make it a healthier option than store-bought sauces.

Basil, oregano and thyme are all great herbs for adding to pizza sauce. They are all primarily used in Mediterranean cuisines and they will add the flavor you desire to your homemade pizza sauce recipe!

Basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is one of the most popular and easy to grow warm-season herbs. This relative of mint is used in many popular Italian and Thai recipes, such as tomato sauce and pesto. It also adds depth and complexity to the flavor of other herbs, including oregano and rosemary.

The leaves of basil can be shredded and added to pizzas, soups, pasta, salads and curries. They can also be infused in boiling water to make a drink called basil tea.

Fresh basil is preferred over dried because it has a greater depth of flavor. However, dried basil can be stored for up to six months in an airtight container.

There are many different basil cultivars, with interesting flavors. Common Mediterranean varieties include 'Genovese', 'Purple Ruffles' and 'Mammoth'. Other cultivars have fragrances of lemon, lime, cinnamon, licorice or anise. Some have dwarf growth and are ideal for edging flower beds or containers. They are especially useful for planting in a sun-loving, warm-season garden.

Oregano

Oregano is a common herb used to season a variety of foods, but it also has some powerful health benefits. It contains carvacrol and thymol, both of which can inhibit cancer growth.

The herb can be found in dried or fresh forms. Dried oregano is more readily available, but fresh oregano is better for cooking and adds a brighter, stronger flavor with grassier notes to your food.

If you can’t find oregano in your local grocery store, you can substitute it with basil or thyme (which is similar in appearance and flavor). Both of these herbs work well in pizza sauce to give it the depth and complexity it needs to stand out from other Italian sauces.

To get started, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a few basic seasonings in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until bubbles appear at the top of the pan.

Rosemary

When it comes to homemade pizza, there are few things as satisfying as a good, hearty tomato sauce. Whether you're preparing a quick takeout order or dine-in, a good tomato sauce can make all the difference in your pizza's flavor.

Mediterranean herbs can help you add depth and complexity to your pizza's flavor. Rosemary, for example, adds a rich and subtle savory note to your dish.

It is also a great source of antioxidants, including carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid. These compounds help protect against a range of health problems and have antimicrobial and wound healing properties, too.

Dried rosemary is usually found in the spice section of a grocery store, or you can use fresh rosemary sprigs from your garden. The dried version needs to be added toward the end of cooking time, while the fresh variety is best to add early on.

Sage

Sage is an aromatic herb that adds depth and complexity to a recipe. It pairs well with tomatoes, potatoes, chicken, pork, and pasta. It also works beautifully in long simmering stews that allow the sage's perfume to mellow.

Dried sage is found in most grocery stores, along with fresh herbs and spices. It is usually labeled ground sage, but it can also be rubbed sage (which has visible bits of leaves).

There are a few things you need to know about dried sage. Drying concentrates the flavor and can make it bitter, so less dried sage is used in recipes than fresh.

Burning sage is a spiritual ritual that has been practiced for centuries, and it has been shown to help people feel better and regain clarity. It also helps you enter a mindful meditation space, which can lead to greater mental clarity and reduce stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between "regular" and smoked paprika powder?

Regular Paprika Powder (Piment d'Espelette) is an essential ingredient for our recipes. We use it for its intense flavor and color. It's also used as a spice and seasoning agent. Smoked Paprika Powder (Paprika Chorizo) adds a smoky taste and aroma to dishes. Both types of Paprika Powder come from Spain, where they grow the best peppers in the world.

Smoked Paprika Powder (Chorizo Paprika) is made from red peppers, which are dried slowly in special ovens. This gives them a rich flavor. They are then ground and mixed with salt, garlic, and spices.

Regular Paprika Powder (Espelette Paprika) is made by grinding green bell peppers without additives.

What spice is good for inflammation?

Turmeric is one spice that can be beneficial for reducing inflammation. It contains the active ingredient curcumin, which has been studied extensively and shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Other spices like ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, and cardamom may also reduce inflammation in the body. Adding these spices to your diet can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.

Another spice that can be used to reduce inflammation is black pepper. The active ingredient in black pepper, piperine, has been studied and found to have anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help reduce pain associated with inflammation. Additionally, the spice contains antioxidants which are beneficial for overall health.

Adding black pepper to your diet may help reduce inflammation and promote overall health. Be sure to talk with your doctor before adding any spice to your diet, as some spices may interact with your medications or supplements. Eating various healthy foods, including spices with anti-inflammatory benefits, can help keep your body balanced and reduce the risk of chronic inflammation-related illnesses.

In summary, adding spices to your diet can be beneficial for reducing inflammation and promoting overall health. Spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, cardamom, and black pepper have all been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory effects.

What spices assist in recovery?

The use of spices to aid in healing is an ancient practice dating back centuries. Many spices have been used for their medicinal properties, including ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and garlic. Each of these spices has unique benefits that can help with various health issues.

Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and can help reduce inflammation in the body. It can also be used to soothe an upset stomach or relieve nausea.

Cinnamon has been found to have a wide range of medicinal properties, including antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant agents. It is even believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial in helping prevent diabetes.

Cayenne pepper has been used for centuries as a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent. It is also thought to increase circulation and metabolism, which can help the body heal more quickly.

Turmeric is an herb that contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant. Curcumin is beneficial in treating various conditions, from arthritis and neurological disorders to cancer.

Garlic is packed with nutrients and has many health benefits. It can help reduce inflammation, act as antibiotic, lower cholesterol levels, and even boost the immune system.

These spices are all-natural ways to help the body heal and improve overall health. They can all be easily incorporated into food or taken in supplement form for convenience. While spices alone won't cure any ailments, they can play an essential role in aiding healing.

In addition to spices, there are also other natural remedies for healing, such as herbs, essential oils, and homeopathy. Research has shown that many of these remedies can be effective in treating a variety of conditions. If you're looking for an alternative to conventional medicine, consider incorporating some of these natural remedies into your health routine.

Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

It is best to pick up fresh herbs whenever possible when using herbs.

Although dried herbs are convenient, they don’t provide the same benefits as fresh herbs.

Fresh herbs contain essential oils that give your food a unique flavor. These oils help preserve the nutrients within the herb.

Dried herbs lose all their flavor after drying, so they cannot replace fresh herbs.

You should only use dried herbs if you absolutely must. Otherwise, you should get your fresh herbs from the market.

Statistics

Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower fasting blood sugars by 10-29% in diabetic patients, which is a significant amount (9Trusted Source10Trusted (healthline.com)
The global herbs market is expected to reach more than $125 billion by the end of 2025.

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How To

How to use herbs safely?

Many people think that herbs should only be used under medical supervision because they believe that some herbs are poisonous. However, this is not true.

Many herbs have long histories of safe use. For example, garlic has been used for thousands of years to fight infections. It's also been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce high blood pressure.

However, if you're pregnant or nursing, avoid taking certain herbs. You should also avoid them if you suffer from allergies or sensitivities to herbs.

You can do several things to ensure you get the best results from your herbs and supplements. First, always read labels before consuming anything containing herbs or spices. Second, take the lowest dose recommended on the label. Third, don't use more than one supplement at any given time. Fourth, talk to your doctor about how to combine specific herbs and supplements. Finally, keep track of your consumption to know whether you need to adjust your dosage.