Spicy Tomato Sauce

• HEALTHY
• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2. 8 large garlic cloves, sliced
3. Two 28-ounce cans diced tomatoes with their liquid
4. 2 cups water
5. 3 bay leaves
6. 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
7. 1 teaspoon sugar
8. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and their liquid, the water, bay leaves, crushed red pepper and sugar. Season with salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 45 minutes. Discard the bay leaves.
2. Working in batches, puree the sauce in a blender. Transfer to a bowl and season with salt and pepper.