Classic Tomato Sauce

For the real-deal version of pasta sauce, try this. It won’t disappoint.

Directions

Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. Coarsely chop the tomatoes and place them in a pot. Add garlic cloves, basil, olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil. Stir, pressing down on the tomatoes to release the juice. Continue cooking over medium heat for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent it from burning.

2. Taste and adjust seasonings. If the tomatoes aren’t that sweet, you might want to add some sugar.

3. Blend the sauce with an immersion blender until smooth. If you prefer it somewhat chunky, you can blend only partway. Combine with cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Notes:

I like the texture of this sauce with the tomato peels, but if you like a smoother sauce, you can peel the tomatoes before chopping them or, alternatively, strain the finished sauce before or after blending it.