1. Gather ingredients: tomato sauce or puree, tomato paste, olive oil, garlic, dried herbs (oregano, basil, Italian seasoning), sugar, salt, and optional red pepper flakes.
2. If using canned whole peeled tomatoes, crush them by hand or blend until smooth.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine tomato sauce or puree with tomato paste for a thicker consistency.
4. Add minced garlic or garlic powder and stir well.
5. Mix in dried herbs, adjusting quantities to taste.
6. Stir in a small amount of sugar to balance acidity.
7. Add salt to enhance overall flavor.
8. If using onion, add finely grated fresh onion or sprinkle in onion powder.
9. For added richness, mix in a small amount of melted butter (optional).
10. If making a no-cook version, let the flavors meld for at least 10 minutes before using.
11. For a cooked version, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
12. Add the sauce mixture to the pan and bring to a gentle simmer.
13. Cook for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to concentrate flavors.
14. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
15. Let the sauce cool slightly before using on pizza dough.
16. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.