Tomato Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

Makes 3 cups/750 ml

• 4-5 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp finely chopped oregano

• 1 tbsp finely chopped marjoram

• 1 tbsp finely chopped basil

• 2 lb/1 kg tomatoes, peeled and chopped

• 2 oz/60 g sun­dried tomatoes, finely chopped

• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

 Spicy Tomato Sauce:

• 2 fresh red chili peppers, seeded and finely sliced

Method:

1. Sauté the garlic in 4 tablespoons of oil in a large saucepan over low heat for 2-3 minutes until pale gold.

2. Add the oregano, marjoram, basil, and tomatoes, squashing them with a wooden spoon. Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.

3. Partially cover and simmer for 45 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.

4. This versatile sauce is delicious with pasta, but can also be spooned over boiled rice (try it with brown rice), potatoes, polenta, spelt or pearl barley.

5. It is a good basic sauce for baked dishes, such as lasagna, and many others. If you cook it for 20-30 minutes longer, reducing it to a thick, almost-paste-like sauce (take care it doesn't burn), it can be spread on toast and served as is.

6. For a hot and spicy version of this tasty sauce, add 2 or more finely chopped red chili peppers together with the herbs.