Simple Tomato Sauce

YIELD  2 cups-ish

1-28 ounce can diced tomatoes
4 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 4 teaspoons)
1 Tbs tomato paste
1 tsp olive oil 
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
1 Tbs minced fresh basil leaves
salt & pepper

Pulse the tomatoes in a food processor until mostly smooth, about 10 pulses; set aside. Cook the garlic, tomato paste, oil and red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the tomato paste begins to brown, about 2 minutes. Stir in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the sauce is thickened and measures 2 cups, about 20 minutes. Turn off the heat, stir in the basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside until needed. 


from the complete America's test kitchen TV show cookbook