Garlic and an herb that Ann T taught me, which is ground fennel. (I also like Crushed Tomatoes which you may already be using.)

Yes, garlic - and fresh basil would be great. I don't put onions in my pizza sauce, but put fresh onions on as a topping.

I agree with yes garlic, yes fresh basil if you have it, some dried if you don't, no onion. I also like a touch of sugar in my tomato sauces in general. I'll have to try fennel next time!

Clairdo2: Not everyone agrees with cooking the Sauce but
raw tomatoes don't cook very long on the Pizza, besides
you don't have to cook too long on the Range top.
I don't use Fennel and I like a lot of good spices
I've cooked thousands of Pizza's and delivered
to homes,
near other Pizzeria's. Must have done something right ???
Check out the Picture Pizza Tutorial on the WFD # 257 Post.
I used my Spaghetti Sauce on that one.
Good Luck, LOU

Pizza Sauce and Spaghetti Sauce ( Gravy )
I used Pizza Sauce which is crushed Tomatoes and Puree, with Basil.
You can use canned tomatoes but make sure they are Italian or a deep red color.
Some choices are Contadina , Red Pack , HuntÂs , All Red, = Tutto Rosso.
A lot of others are sort of orange, red color.
.
Try 1 large can of crushed tomatoes and 1 can of tomatoe Puree.
You have to spice to your own taste.
Start with 3/4 teaspoon of garlic pwd.
(add more later to taste)
1 tablespn. of onion powder. 1 teasp. Salt.
3 teasp. Sugar ( add more if too acidy ).
An Italian pinch of pwd.cloves.
3/4 teasp. Oregano ( or to taste ) it is strong.
1 teaspoon of Parsley,
1/2 teasp. basil.
1/4 teasp. black pepper.
½ teaspoon + of ( Chicken flavored Soup Base )
Large handful of Parmasan Cheese, after cooking about 1/2 hour. Add water if it is too thick.

Continue for Spaghetti Sauce

This recipe can be used for Spagetti Sauce ( maybe you would want to cut down on the Oregano ) also just add a can of Tomatoe Paste and water to thin a little , if it is too thick it will burn easily. It will thicken as it cooks.
½ cup of fine chopped Onion.
And 3 bay leaves . Don't forget the Chicken flavored Soup Base. Add uncooked Meatballs, Sausage and Chicken Thighs, when you start cooking. (cook at least 1 ½ to 2 hours ) Take the chicken out when it is done. ( About 1 hour ) Add the Parmasan Cheese after the sauce is cooked & stir
ALSO !!! season to your own taste. Add more or less of what you like.

I agree with a little crushed fennel seed, it makes all the difference in the world.

Lou? An "Italian pinch?" I'm assuming that is roughly the equivalent of a Portuguese smidgeon or a Scottish fistful? ;)

ITA on the garlic. Must have garlic in tomato sauce. I think it's some kind of law. I'd also leave out the onions and add a tiny bit of sugar. I'm not big on fennel with pizza sauce, but then I don't care for sausage on pizza for that reason.

Marigene: I use fennel in a lot of things but not in Tomatoe sauce or
on Pizza. I don't think it's the Italian way , BUT everyone to their own tastes , or someone elses tastes.

Beanthere: " An Italian Pinch "That's a pinch of something and
anyone who is close by. ( opposite sex )
Sage is what I don't care for, in Sausage and Stuffing.
LOU

For meat lovers, the sausage lends a tremendous amount of flavor in this sauce recipe...

Sicilian Pizza Sauce

Ingredients:

3 Tbs olive oil
1 link Italian sausage
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
16 ounces petite diced tomatoes
6 ounces tomato paste
1 Tbs sugar
3 Tbs fresh oregano, chopped
3 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 Tbs fresh basil, chopped
2 tsp black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper (if you havenÂt used spicy sausage)

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Add Italian sausage, crumble fine and brown lightly.

Add garlic and cook one minute on medium.

Add remaining sauce ingredients and simmer 20 minutes or so. I reduce it until the sauce is as thick as molasses.

Joe

With both Joe and Lou, a girl can't go wrong, or maybe she can ...;-)

Merry Christmas guys, and thanks for the recipes.