Classic Homemade Tomato Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic

Place a large, straight-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the extra-virgin olive oil and warm it before adding the thinly sliced garlic. Sauté until it is lightly golden.

2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Introduce the optional red chile flakes, then pour in the tomatoes with their juices. Tuck in the basil sprigs or bay leaf, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

3. Simmer the Sauce

Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and let the sauce bubble for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking down the tomatoes if whole.

4. Finalize the Sauce

After simmering, remove and discard the basil sprigs or bay leaf, and adjust the texture of the sauce as desired.