Simple Tomato Sauce

In a large pot, combine oil and garlic, and heat over moderately low heat until garlic begins to very gently sizzle. Add red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until garlic just begins to turn a light golden color, about 3 minutes. Add oregano and continue to cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, until paste has softened and blended with oil, about 3 minutes.

Stir in canned tomatoes and their juices, increase heat to medium-high, bring to a gentle simmer, then lower heat to maintain. Using an immersion blender, blend tomatoes until sauce is smooth. (Alternatively, use potato masher to crush tomatoes or crush tomatoes by hand before adding to pot.)

Add basil and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is reduced slightly, about 30 minutes. Season with salt.

Discard basil. Use sauce right away, or allow to cool to room temperature, transfer to sealed containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.