Mince or press garlic cloves.

Heat olive oil in a saucepan on low heat.

Cook garlic in oil until golden (about 2 minutes).

Stir in juice from the can of plum tomatoes.

Crush the tomatoes with your hand or cut them coarsely in the can.

Add crushed tomatoes to the garlic.

Add basil, salt, and pepper.

Bring to a simmer.

Cook on low heat for at least 5 minutes.

Optionally, cook chopped onions with the garlic.

Optionally, cook diced vegetables in the oil until soft before adding garlic.

Optionally, add chopped roasted red peppers.

Optionally, add oregano or crushed red pepper flakes.

For a smoother sauce, puree in a blender.

For a creamier sauce, stir in cream cheese or sour cream before serving.

For puttanesca sauce, add capers, sliced olives, and red pepper flakes.

Ladle over pasta, rice, polenta, broiled fish, breaded eggplant, or fried eggs.

Use as a sauce for steamed cauliflower or green beans.

Use as a sauce for Seitan Pizza Subs.