This recipe may be reproduced with the following credit:
 SILVIA BIANCO (www.chefsilvia.com)

Perfect Basic Tomato Sauce

1 can crushed tomatoes (one with no added garlic or herbs) *
1 tablespoon olive oil + 2 tablespoons chicken broth
1 clove fresh garlic--finely chopped
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
1 sprig of fresh basil (one with multiple attached leaves) or parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

In a medium saucepan over medium heat add oil and broth and heat until hot but not smoking. Add garlic and pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds or until golden. Follow quickly with the tomatoes. Add the basil, lower the heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes until the sauce is thick and sweet.

*Note: Experiment with different brands of crushed tomatoes. Try ones that have no added puree, garlic or herbs. These will change the taste of purely delicious tomatoes. It is best to add these fresh when you make the sauce.

Use this sauce in every dish that calls for a tomato sauce. Use it over pasta of course or make it in a large sauté pan and use it as the foundation for poaching a filet of fish, shrimp, chicken, or other meat or even eggs and you have a low fat, delicious dish that is so satisfying and always open to variations.