Basic Tomato Sauce














This is about as authentic as it gets.
 
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 
1 Spanish onion, 1/4-inch dice 
4 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced 
3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves, or 1 tablespoon dried 
1/2 medium carrot, finely grated 
2 (28-ounce) cans peeled whole tomatoes, crushed by hand and juices reserved 
Salt 
Spaghetti, cooked al dente 
Whole basil leaves, for garnish 
Grated Parmesan, (optional)

In a 3-quart saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until soft and light golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the thyme and carrot, and cook 5 minutes more, until the carrot is quite soft. Add the tomatoes and juice and bring to a boil, stirring often. Lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes until as thick as hot cereal. Season with salt and serve. This sauce holds 1 week in the refrigerator or up to 6 months in the freezer. 
When ready to use, the cooked pasta should be added to a saucepan with the appropriate 
amount of sauce. Garnish with basil leaves and cheese, if using.

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