Basic Tomato Sauce

I don't know where we would be without tomato sauce in our house.  It is so easy to make, can be flavoured in lots of different ways, and is the base of so many delicious dishes.  I thought that I would share with you my basic tomato sauce and then dishes that I make with it.  

Basic Tomato Sauce - makes 2 portions (each serving 4, one for now, one to stick in the freezer!)

1 onion, chopped

2-3 cloves garlic, chopped or crushed

1tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 tins of quality tinned tomatoes

2 tsp balsamic vinegar

1tsp dried oregano

a pinch of salt & black pepper

a pinch of sugar

1.  Heat the oil and gently fry the onions until transparent.  

2.  Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute before adding all the other ingredients.

3.  Bring the the boil and then lower the heat.  Simmer for approximately 20 mins until most of the excess liquid has been absorbed. 

Basil flavoured sauce

Omit the oregano and add a handful of torn basil leaves at the end of cooking.

Spicy sauce

Add 1/2 tsp crumbled dried chilli when you add all the other ingredients to the onion and garlic.  

All of these are delicious simply tossed through some some cooked pasta and sprinkled with grated parmesan.  Served with a good salad and some tasty bread you have a really simple meal.

Tonight for tea we had the spicy version with griddled halloumi cheese (a favourite in our house), instead of parmesan, which I broke into pieces and stirred through the pasta and sauce.  Yummy!!

You can find more delicious recipes, including more using your basic tomato sauce, here.