Zingy Pasta Sauce

Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan and add 1 clove finely chopped garlic. Leave for about 30 seconds to get the flavour out into the oil. (If you want a spicy pasta sauce, add chopped chilli at this stage.)

Add 400g can of decent plum tomatoes and a pinch of salt and mix together. Leave on low heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce is lovely and thick.

Once the sauce is ready, taste it. If it tastes slightly bitter a few drops of balsamic vinegar will sweeten it up.

Add some ripped fresh basil and serve over your favourite pasta with a generous grind of black pepper.

If you're in a hurry and the sauce is a bit runny stir in some tomato puree to thicken it up.