1 Tbl extra virgin olive oil

1/2 small white onion finely chopped

2 cloves garlic finely chopped or grated

1 32 oz can low sodium crushed tomatoes, I only use the following brands for the best results. (6 in 1 All Purpose Ground Tomatoes or Cento All Purpose Tomatoes)  These can be found in Italian Markets, Trader Joe’s and Specialty markets.

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped

salt and pepper to taste

1 bay leaf

In a sauce pan over medium heat add olive oil and onion and saute onion until translucent.  About 10 minutes.  Add garlic and stir well.  Do not burn garlic as it can become bitter.  Add crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, bay leaf and salt and pepper.  Simmer over low heat about 1 hour stirring frequently.  Remove bay leaf before serving.  This sauce can be used over chicken dishes or zoodles.  I like to double the recipe and put sauce in 8 oz containers and freeze it.  Last for up to a year and comes in very handy.