• Makes: 1 litre

• Prep time: 10 mins

• Cooking time: 50 mins

• Total time: 1 hr

• Skill level: Easy peasy

• Costs: Mid-price

That’s goodtoknow

For a richer tomato flavour add 1-2 tbsp sundried tomato paste to the pan with the vinegar and sugar.

Ingredients

• 1tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
• 1.5kg ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
• Few fresh basil leaves
• 1tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2tsp caster sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. Heat the oil in a large deep pan and gently fry the onion and garlic for 10 mins until very soft. Transfer to a food processor or blender and process to a smooth paste.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes and basil to the pan and cook gently, stirring frequently, for 20-25 mins until the tomatoes are soft and pulpy. Cool for 10 mins then push through a sieve to make a smooth tomato sauce.
3. Return the onion paste and tomato sauce to the pan with the vinegar and sugar and simmer gently for 10-15 mins, stirring, until you have a thick passata. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cool then store in clean jars or sealable containers in the fridge.