Papou's Quick Tomato Sauce

Papou's Quick Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• 3-4 large beefsteak tomatoes (as a general rule, have one tomato per person)*
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil (or 2 teaspoons dried)
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• A pinch of salt
• A pinch of sugar

Directions:

Bring a small pot of water to a full boil.  Using a sharp knife, mark an X on the bottom of each tomato, and then plunge the tomato into the boiling water for 30 seconds – 1 minute, until the skin begins to peel off.  Using a slotted spoon, remove tomato from water and run under cold water until you can touch it.  Peel off skin with your hands.  Chop tomatoes coarsely.

Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.  Add garlic and sauté until brown, about 7 minutes.  Add tomatoes, basil, salt, and sugar and stir.  Cook covered until tomatoes have released their juices, about 5 minutes.

*if using canned tomatoes, use one can for two people.  Do not drain.