Instructions: Put the tomatoes with their juice the onion garlic carrot celery tomato puree and sugar into a saucepan.

Add a little salt and pepper and stir with a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes.

Bring to the boil partially cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Rub through a sieve and return to the pan.

If necessary boil rapidly uncovered until reduced to a sauce consistency.

Check the seasoning and stir in the basil if using.

Serve as required with pasta or meat dishes.

Makes about 300ml.

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