Mom’s Tomato Sauce

Yields 4 to 5 cups

Ingredients:

• 12 plum tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion minced
• ½ cup water
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Peel, core, and dice the tomatoes. To peel tomatoes, immerse them in boiling water for 20 to 30 seconds and then dip them in cool water. The peels will slip off. 
2. n a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the garlic and onion until tender, 4 to 5 minutes.  Add the tomatoes, water, basil leaves, parsley, salt, and pepper.  Bring to a boil and then reduce heat, simmering uncovered for 45 minutes and stirring occasionally to make sure the tomatoes are well mixed. If you prefer a smooth sauce, allow the sauce to cool and then blend in a food processor. 
3. Refrigerate the leftover sauce for up to 5 days or freeze until needed.