Mario Batali's Basic Tomato Sauce

Mario Batali's Basic Tomato Sauce

MAKES 4 CUPS


1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 Spanish onion, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

1/2 medium carrot, finely shredded

2 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes

Coarse salt

1. In a 3-quart saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft and light golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Add thyme and carrot; cook until carrot is soft, about 5 minutes.

2. Add tomatoes with their juice; stirring often, bring to a boil. Lower heat; simmer until thick as hot cereal, about 30 minutes. Season with salt. Sauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 week or frozen for 6 months.