Nick's quick tomato sauce for pasta

August 1, 2007

Serves 4

In the film "No Reservations," prop master Diana Burton used this pasta sauce recipe from her Naples-born grandmother.

1/4	cup olive oil
2	onions, coarsely chopped
2	cloves garlic, finely chopped
2	bay leaves
1	teaspoon dried oregano
6	large ripe tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
2	tablespoons dry red wine
1/2	teaspoon crushed red pepper, or to taste
2	teaspoons sugar
	Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4	cup fresh basil leaves, cut into julienne strips

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil. Lower the heat to medium, add onions and cook for 8 minutes, stirring often, until they are transparent. Add garlic, bay leaves, oregano, and tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes, or until softened.

2. Add the wine, red pepper, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes more.

3. Just before serving, taste for seasoning and add more salt or red pepper, if you like. Sprinkle with basil. Serve over pasta and sprinkle with cheese. Adapted from Diana Burton.