Basic tomato sauce
This simple tomato sauce is great with pasta but can also be used as a base for other recipes.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled, roughly chopped
- 2 x 400g/14oz tins chopped tomatoes
- large handful fresh basil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 200g/7oz fresh penne
Method
For the basic tomato sauce, heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat, add the garlic and fry for 1-2 minutes, or until softened.
Add the tinned tomatoes and basil and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat until the mixture is simmering and simmer for 12-15 minutes. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Remove two thirds of the tomato sauce from the pan and set aside to be used in another recipe (it can be frozen for up to six weeks).
Cook the pasta in a pan of salted, boiling water until al dente, then drain well and stir it into the sauce. Warm through for a further minute, then serve.
