The Italian Cookbook

Salsa di pomodoro (Tomato sauce)

· Preparation time: 10 minutes.

· Cooking time: 20 minutes.

· 500g tomatoes.

· 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil.

· One onion.

· Salt.

· Basil.

Peel and chop the tomatoes. Peel and finely chop the onion.

 

Put the oil in a large frying pan and fry the onion. Cook for about five minutes and then add the chopped tomatoes and a pinch or two of salt. Increase the heat and cook for another ten minutes. When you have removed the souce from the heat, add the fresh basil leaves. This souce is delicious in the summer time when plump, delicious tomatoes are readily available, and is suitable for all kinds of pasta. Remember to provide gratedPermesan for those who wish. This sauce can also be used as a dressing for cold pasta. In this case try adding some chopped, diced mozzarella to the cold sauce; this lends a wonderfully fresh, tangy flavour to the dish.