How to Make 10-Minute Tomato Sauce

This speedy recipe uses canned whole tomatoes and has a fresher flavor than any prepared sauce. It can be used on its own or as the base for other sauces. Makes enough for a pound of pasta.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 tsp. minced or chopped garlic
• 1 (28-oz.) can whole tomatoes
• salt and pepper
• about 1/4 c. fresh basil, chopped
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1. Heat the oil in a saucepan and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds.

2. Open the can of tomatoes and add it to the pan.

3. Bring the liquid to a fast simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.

4. Blend or chop the tomatoes. You can use a hand blender to coarsely puree the tomatoes or use a large spoon to mash them up right in the pot, or transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor.

5. Season to taste with salt and pepper and continue mashing or pureeing until sauce is coarse but smooth.

6. Add the basil and serve.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't worry too much about precise measurements. Just add enough cooked garlic, salt, pepper and basil until the sauce tastes right to you.
• You can also skip the garlic in this recipe or use garlic powder.
• The sauce can be enjoyed by itself for a quick dinner, but you can also add vegetables to your pasta for a more substantial meal: sautéed mushrooms, zucchini and so on.

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on 11/22/2005 When making this simple sauce, it is imperative that you use the best quality canned tomatoes you can get. It really makes a big difference. Also, grate fresh Parmesan over top if you have it!

on 11/22/2005 Forget the blender just use your hands to mash up the tomatoes--works just as well.

on 11/22/2005 If you own a blender, try to blend the sauce with a green pepper. Its very fresh and tasty.

on 11/22/2005 After you sautee the tomatoes, add a little bit of fennel seed; that gives if it a great Mediterranean/Italian taste!

on 11/22/2005 I tried this on a day I didn't want to cook, and just drained the tomatoes and chopped them in a blender with the garlic and other stuff. The hot pasta warmed it up fine. Tasted great, too.