Homemade Basic Tomato Sauce

You will need:

x2 tins of quality tinned tomatoes 

x1 onion - finely diced

x3 cloves of garlic - crushed or finely chopped

1T fresh thyme - finely chopped (1/2t if dried)

5-6 fresh basil leaves - finely chopped (1/2t if dried)

1t balsamic vinegar (optional)

1T brown sugar (optional)

1 handful of spinach leaves (optional)

Put the tinned tomatoes into a saucepan at a moderate heat. Add the onion, garlic, spinach if you're using it, and the herbs. Cook the sauce at a moderate heat so it's bubbling but at no risk of the bottom burning. Cook until it thickens and reduces, about 20-30 minutes, then add the balsamic vinegar and sugar if you are using them and cook for a further 5 mins. You can use a masher or hand blender to get a smoother consistency if you like - you will need to if you have used spinach. I don't generally add salt when cooking for the kids unless the recipe really needs it - I figure they don't really need it and they aren't going to notice if it's in there or not.

I usually double this recipe and store half in the freezer until next time.

Note: If I have enough time and tomatoes are in season, I use fresh tomatoes and slow roast them in the oven for about 1 1/2 hours (you can add a quartered fresh capsicum too), with just a drizzle of good quality oil.