Simple Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes

4 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 4 teaspoons)

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon olive oil

⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon minced fresh basil leaves

Table salt and ground black pepper

Directions

Pulse the tomatoes in a food processor until mostly smooth, about 10 pulses; set aside. Cook the garlic, tomato paste, oil, and red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the tomato paste begins to brown, about 2 minutes. Stir in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the sauce is thickened and measures 2 cups, about 20 minutes. Off the heat, stir in the basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside until needed.

Notes

This easy sauce also works well with pasta.