Basic Tomato Sauce

Name: Basic Tomato Sauce
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 3 medium-size onions, coarsely chopped; 3 cloves garlic; 4 pounds ripe tomatoes, quartered, or 3 large (28-ounce) cans of Italian plum tomatoes; 1 bay leaf; A handful of fresh herbs - preferably a mixture of basil, chervil, thyme and Italian parsley -minced; 1/2 teaspoon hot red-pepper flakes (optional); Zest of 1 orange (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

9 ingredients

8 steps

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 medium-size onions, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic
4 pounds ripe tomatoes, quartered, or 3 large (28-ounce) cans of Italian plum tomatoes
1 bay leaf
A handful of fresh herbs - preferably a mixture of basil, chervil, thyme and Italian parsley -minced
1/2 teaspoon hot red-pepper flakes (optional)
Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1

In a large, deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
2

Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until soft but not brown.
3

Increase heat to medium high and add remaining ingredients, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
4

Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thick, 30 to 45 minutes.
5

Check the seasoning.
6

Pass the mixture through the fine-mesh sieve of an electric mixer (or through a food mill).
7

The sauce will keep, refrigerated, for several days.
8

To keep longer, freeze it or preserve in canning jars in a hot-water bath.