Simple Pasta Sauce

Jamie's Basic Pasta Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

good pinch of dried oregano

1 chilli, pierced once with a knife

2 x 400g tins whole tomatoes

sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper

Heat olive oil gently in pan, add oregano & chilli.  Toss for around 30 seconds, then add tomatoes.  Do not break tomatoes up at this stage.  Season with sea salt & black pepper.

Simmer gently for 30 minutes, lightly shaking the pan every 10 minutes or so.  Remove chilli.  Break up tomatoes with a spoon.  Check for seasoning.

Variations to Basic Pasta Sauce

Add a handful of freshly grated parmesan, a knob of butter, a small swig of balsamic or red wine vinegar & a handful of torn basil leaves (yum...my favourite!)

Add some pure cream for a creamy tomato pasta sauce.

Chop up chilli and add back to sauce.

Play around with the basic recipe & come up with your own favourite!

Cooking Notes:

I use this sauce as a plain pasta sauce with different pastas including ravioli as well as things like parmigiana.

Make extra and freeze in sandwich bags (it freezes really well!) for an instant meal.  To defrost, either microwave, or tip into a saucepan and gently re-heat.

As always, check the ingredients label on everything you buy for any unnecessary additives:

 *Note: This particular product is the 'Coles' brand Organic Whole Tomatoes for $1.10 per can