Step 1
Empty the tins of tomatoes into a large bowl and crush with a potato masher or your hands, picking out any tough bits as you go.
Step 2
Pick the basil leaves from the stem and set both aside. Finely chop the garlic cloves.
Step 3
In a large saucepan over low heat, add the olive oil, basil stems and garlic. Cook low and slow for 5 minutes until smelling really delicious. Be sure to keep the heat low as you don’t want to burn the garlic as this will ruin the flavour of the sauce.
Step 4
Add the tomatoes, salt and chilli flakes, if using. Fill one of the tomato tins with water, add to the saucepan, then add another 1/2 tins worth of water. Increase the heat to medium and simmer the sauce for 30 minutes until reduced and thickened slightly.
Step 5
Taste and add more salt if needed.
Step 6
Use tongs to remove the basil stems. Add the basil leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes until the basil leaves have wilted, then turn off the heat.




















