Classic Hearty Tomato Sauce

1. Heat the Olive Oil

Warm the olive oil in a large, straight-sided skillet over medium heat.

2. Sauté Garlic

Add the sliced garlic to the skillet. Cook until just lightly golden, being careful not to burn.

3. Spice It Up

If using, sprinkle in the red chile flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

4. Add Tomatoes

Stir in the plum tomatoes along with their juices, the basil or bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper.

5. Slow Simmer

Allow the sauce to reach a simmer. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the tomatoes have mostly broken down, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer. For whole plum tomatoes, use a wooden spoon or potato masher to mash them.

6. Finalize Sauce

Once the sauce is ready, remove it from heat and take out the basil sprigs or bay leaf.