Basic Tomato Sauce

• 5 pounds canned Italian-style plum tomatoes with their juices
• 2 cups very rich tomato purée
• Salt

Procedure

Process the tomatoes with their juices in a food processor until finely chopped but not puréed. Transfer to a heavy saucepan and stir in the tomato purée. Simmer over low heat, stirring often, until the sauce is hot and slightly thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper. If the tomatoes are sour, stir in the butter or olive oil, or add a pinch of sugar.