This sauce can be used on any number of dishes including pastas, meats, and vegetables. It has a very clean taste that compliments so many different foods, especially if you skip the garlic. This is the only sauce I use in my Eggplant Parmesan, and my fresh summer vegetable-pasta combination dishes.
1 lb. very ripe fresh tomatoes put through a small hole food mill, or a 1 lb. can of crushed tomatoes
1 T. good tomato paste. Buy the tube of tomato paste, and you can use it for a longer period of time
6 leaves of fresh basil, finely chopped
Fresh ground black pepper to taste. The acidity in tomatoes really reduces the need for salt. If you do add salt, be stingy.
Directions:
Heat your saucepan on a medium setting for a minute or two, and then add the olive oil. After 30 seconds add the onion, and stir for 1 minute until it starts to turn translucent. If using, add the garlic, and stir for an additional 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and basil. Maintain medium heat for an additional 5 minutes, stirring regularly, and then reduce heat to simmer for about 15 minutes longer. Stir often to prevent burning the bottom of the pan.
