In southern Italy, especially Sicily and Calabria, fine, stale breadcrumbs are often used instead of grated cheese on pasta. This is either because there is simply no cheese available, or a hangover from the days when there was no money for cheese. Sometimes the breadcrumbs are fried for extra texture.
Pour the oil into a large pan and add the garlic. Fry for 2-3 minutes, until the garlic is transparent, then add the tomatoes and basil. Stir in salt to taste, then cover and simmer the mixture for 20 minutes on a medium heat. Add water if the sauce becomes too thick.
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