Easy Tomato Sauce

Sometimes all I want is a warm bowl of pasta tossed with tomato sauce. This is a simple recipe, plus four variations. Pair with two pounds cooked pasta of choice to make eight main-dish servings.

Ingredients:

• 8 TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL
• 8 CLOVES GARLIC, GRATED
• 8 POUNDS RIPE TOMATOES { ABOUT 12 MEDIUM }, COARSELY CHOPPED
• 1/2 TEASPOON SALT
• 1 TEASPOON GROUND BLACK PEPPER

Directions:

1. In a 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. 
2. Add garlic; cook 1 minute or until golden, stirring.
3. Add tomatoes, salt and pepper and cook uncovered, 10 minutes or until lightly thickened.
4. Remove skillet from heat.

ACTIVE TIME: 5 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME: 15 MINUTES
MAKES: 8 SERVINGS

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Chipotle Tomato Sauce:

Prepare Easy Tomato Sauce as directed, but add 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper along with the garlic.

Basil or Rosemary Tomato Sauce:

Prepare Easy Tomato Sauce as directed, but after removing sauce from heat, stir in 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, chopped or 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary. 

Sage Tomato Sauce:

Prepare Easy Tomato Sauce as directed, but after removing sauce from heat, stir in 2 tablespoons butter, plus 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage.