TOMATO AND BASIL PASTA SAUCE

Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce image

Provided by Hel Cooks

Time 50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 (400 g) cans plum tomatoes (chopped)
5 garlic cloves (crushed or finely chopped)
6 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 tablespoons tomato puree
1 cup fresh basil (extra dried can be used)
1 bay leaf
1 pinch mixed herbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar

Steps:

use half the oil and gently fry garlic do not let it brown.
add the tomatoes, dried basil, bay leaf, mixed herbs, salt and pepper and sugar (this recipe needs between 1/2 - 1 tsp salt to bring out the flavours of the tomatoes.
bring to the boil and gently simmer for 20 mins, add the tomato puree and the rest of the oil and simmer for a further 15 mins until the mixture has reduced.
If using fresh basil roughly chop and add now.
Serve with pasta with grated parmasan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Variations - button mushrooms, black olives can be added.