Italian Recipes - Marinara Sauce

Ingredients     

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 4 to 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 pounds plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped (about 4 cups), or two 28-ounce cans Italian plum tomatoes, drained and chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon salt*

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/3 cup snipped fresh basil

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Method:

1. In a 3-quart saucepan heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, salt, and pepper.

2. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until sauce is thickened and chunky, stirring occasionally. Stir in basil. Simmer for 5 minutes more.

3. If desired, adjust seasonings to taste.

*NOTE: If using canned tomatoes, reduce salt to 1/4 teaspoon.