Very Good Marinara

Olive oil, 1/4 cup
Garlic, 3 cloves, halved
Tomato paste, 1 tbs
Canned tomatoes, 2 400g cans, San Marzano are the best ones to use
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
Sugar, pinch
Basil, 2 sprigs

Heat the oil in a large saucepan.

Add the garlic cloves and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes.

Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring for 1 minute.

Add the tomatoes and crush them with the back of a wooden spoon.

Season with salt and pepper.

Stir in the sugar and basil and bring to a boil.

Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and reduced to 3 cups, about 30 minutes.

Discard the basil and garlic.

Crush the sauce with a potato masher until smooth.