Summer Fresh Tomato Sauce

If you are an avid gardener like myself  ( not ) you probably have got one or two tomato plants nestled in a hot spot somewhere.  My only lonely one is growing nicely on the balcony.  My friend Meike form Germany made this for dinner one night.  The family enjoyed it over pasta.

• 1 large onion, diced small
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 – 10 fresh tomatoes   skinned  ( to skin tomatoes, cut a cross in the bottom and pour boiling water over them.  Let sit 3 -4 minutes.  The skin can easily be removed then )
• 2 sprigs fresh oregano
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soya sauce
• 1 tsp Knorr vegetable broth
• fresh ground pepper
• 1/4 tsp chili pepper flakes  ( more if you like it spicy )
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 1 can tomato past

Sautee onion in olive oil.  Sautee on low  heat until onion is transluscent.  This may take 10 – 15 minutes.  Add garlic.  Put tomatoes in blender, add to onions and garlic. Add all other ingredients and stir well.  Transfer sauce to crock pot and cook on low for 3 – 5 hours.  ( this step can be omitted, but it will make the sauce more flavourful. )

Just before serving, remove bay leaves.  Fresh basil may be sprinkled on top of sauce just before eating.  Enjoy!