Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 5 ml (1 tsp) canola oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 125 ml / ½ cup)
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 can (156 ml) tomato paste
• 1 can (796 ml) diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tabasco-style hot sauce (optional)

Preparation

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the onion and the garlic cloves in the oil for 2 minutes, or until browned.
2. Add tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Add salt, pepper and hot sauce (if using).
3. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and gently simmer the sauce. Variation: Add vegetables and a source of protein to the sauce. Beef, poultry, tofu and beans will taste great in the tomato sauce. 
4. Cover, leaving a small space for steam to escape, and cook over low heat for 30 minutes. 
5. Serve immediately with pasta or refrigerate for future use.