Every cook should have at least one good fresh tomato sauce in her/his culinary repertoire. Serve this simple, yet intensely flavorful sauce over your favorite pasta and top with a light sprinkling of Parmigiano Reggiano, if desired. For the best taste, use only vine-ripened tomatoes, otherwise, I would suggest substituting with canned tomatoes.

Fresh Tomato Sauce with Basil

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

1 to 3 garlic cloves, finely minced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 large vine-ripened tomatoes, seeded and coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1. Saute onion in oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until softened, stirring often; add garlic and cook for several more seconds. Add the tomato, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
2. Stir in basil and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve over hot, freshly cooked pasta of your choice.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups.