BASIC "SCRATCH" TOMATO SAUCE
Watch the garlic carefully as it cooks, being sure that it doesn't burn. Once it starts to color it cooks very fast.
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 large cloves garlic, lightly bruised
4 cans (each 28 ounces) plum tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn in half
2 teaspoons dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pinch sugar
1. Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook until it colors slightly but does not burn, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and carefully stir in the tomatoes and the wine.
2. Return the pot to medium heat. Stir in the parsley, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Serve immediately, or cool and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
7 cups
