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Can you use salsa as pizza sauce?
There are debates all over the internet about whether or not you can use salsa as pizza sauce. Some people swear by it, while others say that it just doesn’t work.
So, what’s the verdict? Can salsa really be used as pizza sauce?
In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the pros and cons of using salsa as pizza sauce, and let you decide for yourself!
Table of Contents
What is pizza sauce?
Pizza sauce is a tomato-based sauce that is used as the base layer on top of the pizza dough. It is typically made out of crushed or puréed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
The exact ingredients and proportions vary depending on the style of pizza and the region where it originates.
In the United States, pizza sauce is often seasoned with oregano and black pepper, while in Italy, it is typically more simplistic, made just with tomatoes, salt, and sometimes olive oil.
Regardless of the ingredients, pizza sauce is an essential component of many popular styles of pizza. Without it, a pizza would simply be bread with toppings.
The sauce also adds depth of flavor and ties all the toppings together. It can be sweet, savory, spicy, or somewhere in between.
Whether you like your pizza sauce thick or thin, there’s no doubt that it plays an important role in the flavor and overall experience of eating pizza.
What is salsa sauce?
Salsa sauce is a spicy and flavorful condiment commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It is typically made from a blend of fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various seasonings and spices.
Depending on the recipe, other ingredients such as cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice may be added to enhance the flavor and texture of the sauce.
Whether served as a dip or incorporated into recipes like fajitas and enchiladas, salsa adds a bold and vibrant element to any dish.
What is the difference between a sauce and a salsa?
Although both, sauces and salsas can add zest to a meal, they are used differently and serve different purposes. Here are some key differences between the two:
A sauce is typically a smooth, liquidy mixture that is used to enhance the flavor of food. It is often made with a combination of spices, herbs, and other ingredients, and can be either thick or thin in thickness.
Salsa on the other hand, is a chunky, flavorful mixture that is used as a topping or dipping sauce. It typically contains chopped tomatoes, onions, peppers, and other vegetables, and is often spiced with chili peppers or other seasonings.
can you use salsa as pizza sauce?
Although some people will be sceptical about using diverse sauces rather than the regular tomato one on their pizzas, I say go for it!
As making professional pizzas at home became a popular trend thanks to the home-use pizza ovens, people started to become more creative with their toppings and sauces.
As a result, some pretty interesting types of sauces have been born, including White Garlic Sauce, Hummus, Pesto, Marinara Sauce, Garlic Ranch Sauce, etc.
If so, can you use salsa as pizza sauce?
My verdict is – Why not!
If you are a salsa fan, using salsa as a pizza base is definitely something you can give a try. The added spices and seasonings in salsa will give your pizza an extra kick of flavour.
So, if you’re looking for a way to spice up your usual pizza night, using salsa as your sauce is a great option.
What are some tips for using salsa as a pizza sauce?
Although salsa can be a great substitute for pizza sauce, it is not made for that type of use. As a result, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps to “convert” your salsa into a proper pizza sauce.
Drain the salsa as much as you can
Unlike pizza sauce, salsa is usually quite chunky and watery. If you’ll use it as is, your pizza dough will absorb all of the liquid, which will lead to a soggy and wet pizza.
To avoid this, make sure to drain the salsa before using it as a sauce. You can do this by simply spooning it into a colander or strainer and letting the excess liquid drip off.
Add some tomato paste
If you are planning on using salsa as a pizza sauce, adding some tomato paste is highly recommended.
Although salsa is a tomato-based dip, it still lacks the degree of tomato flavor needed for pizza sauce.
By adding some tomato paste to the salsa, you will get a sauce that combines both, the salsa’s boldness and the classic pizza sauce flavor.
Apply the salsa on top of the cheese
As mentioned before, salsa is slightly different from a typical pizza sauce – it is very chunky and watery. With that said, it shouldn’t keep you from using it on your pizzas.
Your goal here is to find a way to prevent the pizza dough from getting soggy, but still use the salsa as the base of your pizza.
One interesting way to do this is by applying the salsa on top of the cheese, rather than spreading it directly onto the dough.
This way, the cheese will act as a barrier and prevent the sauce from seeping into the dough.