TOMATO-BASIL SAUCE.
This basic tomato sauce pairs perfectly with almost every pasta shape, from farfalle to ziti. The recipe makes enough tomato sauce for dinner tonight plus the following two recipes.
Serves 4
Makes 8 cups in total
Time: Preparation time 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Olive oil, 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Garlic, 4 large cloves, minced
- Tomato paste, ½ cup
- Canned whole tomatoes, 8 cups, chopped, with juice (or boiled fresh tomatoes)
- Fresh basil, 10-12 leaves
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
Method / Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the oil. Add the garlic and sauté until lightly golden, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste. Add the boiled fresh or canned tomatoes, the basil, and ½ teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Using a food processor or immersion blender, process the sauce until smooth.
- Or, position a food mill with the fine shredding disk over a large saucepan and pass the sauce through it. Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
Storage tip: The tomato basil can be stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating the sauce, stir in additional 1-2 tablespoons olive oil.
Best Wishes.
