Tomato Sauce

By Howie

Ingredients

• 2 tb olive oil
• 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
• 2 cups Italian plum or whole-pack tomatoes, coarsely chopped but not drained
• 3 tb tomato paste
• 1 tb fresh basil, finely cut, or 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• fresh ground black pepper

Preparation

Step 1

1) Using 2-3 quart enameled or stainless steel saucepan, heat the olive oil until a light haze forms over it. Add the onions and cook them over moderate heat for 7-8 minutes, or until they are soft but not browned. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, sugar, salt and a few grindings of black pepper. Reduce the heat to very low and simmer, with the pan partially covered, for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.

2) Press the sauce through a fine sieve (or a food mill) into bowl or pan. Taste for seasoning and serve hot.