A basic tomato sauce is the starting point for so many great dishes and for somebody with a passion for Italy like me, it is a staple that has to be permanently ready, either in fridge of freezer.
Throw in some fried chorizo and a few olives and combined with your favourite pasta, supper is ready. Stir through a large spoonful of ready-made curry sauce, add some cooked chicken or chickpeas and with a bowlful of rice, you’re sorted.
Buy good quality tinned tomatoes or passata – you will notice the difference. I like the Mutti brand and also, any which contain pomodorini (sweet cherry tomatoes) or the San Marzano variety.
Preparation Time
5 Minutes
Cooking Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minnutes
Ingredients:
-
1 (400g) tin or carton, chopped tomatoes
-
3 tbsp olive oil
-
2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped or grated
-
A few leaves of fresh basil, shredded (1/2tsp dried basil or oregano is also fine)
-
Salt and black pepper
Directions:
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Place a saucepan over a low heat and add the olive oil and garlic.
-
Allow to cook very gently for around 2-3 mins so that the garlic does not burn but is beginning to almost melt into the oil.
-
Add the tomatoes (swill the container out with a few drops of water and add that too).
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Bring to the boil and then simmer for around 10 minutes until it reduces slightly and looks a bit glossier.
-
Add the basil and season with salt and pepper to your taste.
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If you like a smooth sauce you can use a hand blender to create your desired texture.
Notes:
You can leave the herbs out of you want the sauce to remain ‘neutral’ for other dishes.
This sauce freezes really well in bags or tubs.
Click here to download or print the one page recipe card
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