A vibrant and flavorful tomato sauce with a spicy kick, perfect for pasta or as a base for other dishes.
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Using extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor to the sauce.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Stir frequently to prevent the onion from browning.
Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute.
Adding the garlic later prevents it from burning and becoming bitter.
Add the chopped plum tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
If using canned tomatoes, crush them with your hands before adding.
Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Stir in the fresh basil and season with salt to taste.
Add the basil at the end to preserve its fresh flavor.
Serve the sauce over freshly cooked pasta or use as desired.
Garnish with extra basil leaves for a fresh touch.