A key accessory to making many great meals is a simple and easy tomato sauce. While many resort to buying canned sauce, a homemade tomato sauce is not only cheaper, but can also be adapted to specific tastes and built upon to make classic dishes. In the summer, try using fresh tomatoes that are in season instead of canned. You will need to buy a large amount of tomatoes (15-20). Recipe makes around 8 cups of sauce.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 cans diced tomatoes

2 cans San Marzano tomatoes (substitution – 2 cans of whole plum tomatoes)

1 onion (diced)

½ head of garlic (minced)

1 tube tomato paste 

Seasoning to taste: Salt, pepper, oregano, parsley, red pepper flakes, 1 bay leaf

In the summer, try using fresh tomatoes that are in season instead of canned. You will need to buy a large amount of tomatoes (15-20).

Steps:

1: Place a large pot over medium heat.

2: Heat olive oil and add onions, garlic, and seasonings. 

3: Cook until onions are translucent.

4: Add tomato paste to onions and cook for approximately 5 min.

5: Add cans of tomatoes or fresh tomatoes (chopped and cored).

6: Bring sauce to a boil over medium heat and then reduce to low.

7: Allow sauce to simmer for at least half an hour, making sure to stir every 15 minutes.