I have to thank Jamie Oliver for this one. It started life as his "Quick Sausage Meatballs with a tomato and basil sauce, spaghetti and sweet raw peas" from the book Jamie at Home. I realised just how simple it was to make a pasta sauce for myself using things I have in the cupboard all the time and I haven't looked back. I have changed things and dropped whole parts of that recipe, as you do when you start making something from memory and using only what is to hand. When you check back you usually realise it has evolved somewhat. If you have access to the book you should really give the real one a try too.
I also have Jamie to thank for my slowly increasing potted herb garden. I'm sure you could make a nice sauce following this formula using dried herbs but fresh herbs really are a revelation. Since starting with the basil for this I've added oregano for my pizza sauce and thyme. I also have 2 different types of chives which I usually add to scrambled eggs and the like but it's also great for potato salad or anything else that needs a mild onion flavour. I have dreams of one day having a proper herb garden.
Ingredients:
1x 400g tin of crushed or diced tomatoes (be sure to read the tin to check for thickeners and the like)
1tsp crushed garlic
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper
a small handful of fresh basil leaves (as many as you can bear to remove from your plant)
Method:
In a small saucepan brown the crushed garlic in a little oil (be aware that it will spit) quickly add the tinned tomato once it has started browning off (which will stop it from spitting any more).
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar, season with salt and pepper and stir in the basil leaves. Allow it to heat through stirring occassionaly. The whole process will only take a few minutes.
It is finished.
This is quite a liquid sauce. If you prefer something thicker you could try dissolving about 1 heaped tsp pure cornflour in 1/3 cup of water and stirring that through the sauce to thicken it.
It is perfect for pasta but I also love it over green veg with a little sour cream. Enjoy!
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