Fresh Tomato Sauce

Everybody has too many tomatoes this time of year, but if you are like me and don't have a garden, stop by your local farmer's market! This tomato sauce is full of flavor and so quick to make! You will be in and out of the kitchen in less than 30 minutes, and that is what we all want this time of year!

Fresh Tomato Sauce

2½ pounds ripe tomatoes
1 cup onion, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
8 leaves fresh basil, minced

With the point of a paring knife cut out and discard the stem bases of the tomatoes, removing small cones about 1/4-inch deep, then lightly cut X-shapes on the tomatoes' opposite ends.

Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan, drop in the tomatoes, and cook 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to a colander, run cold water over them, and slip their skins off with your fingers.

In a saucepan, lightly sauté the onion in the olive oil. Add the tomatoes, crushing each directly over the pan as it is added. Add the reserved juice if the tomatoes have been seeded. Season to taste and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the basil before serving.

If you like your sauce very smooth (I don't), puree the tomatoes in a food processor. Serve over your favorite pasta and top with freshly grated parmesan cheese!