In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. This initial step is crucial for building flavor foundation. The oil should be warm but not smoking. This helps bring out the garlic’s flavor and creates the perfect base for your Aurelios pizza recipe.

Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Keep stirring constantly to prevent burning, as burnt garlic will make the entire sauce bitter. The garlic should become fragrant and lightly golden. This step infuses the oil with aromatic garlic flavor that permeates the entire sauce.

Pour in crushed tomatoes and mix thoroughly with the garlic-infused oil. Allow the sauce to start simmering gently. The tomatoes will begin to break down and meld with the garlic oil. This combination creates the heart of your authentic Aurelio’s pizza sauce recipe.

Add sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir well to blend all the ingredients evenly throughout the sauce. The sugar helps balance the natural acidity of tomatoes, while oregano provides that classic Italian flavor. Season gradually and taste as you go.

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The slow simmering process allows all flavors to meld together perfectly. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and developing a richer color during this time.

Sample the sauce as it cooks and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter, or add water if the consistency becomes too thick. This is where you can customize the sauce to match your personal taste preferences while maintaining the authentic Aurelios sauce recipe profile.

After simmering, remove the sauce from heat. Allow it to cool before using it on pizza or storing for later use. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools. Once cooled, your homemade Aurelio’s pizza sauce recipe is ready to transform your pizzas.