Basic Marinara Sauce

Makes enough sauce for one pound of pasta.

4 tablespoons olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 (28 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil (about 10 leaves fresh)
Salt and pepper

Lightly saut� garlic in olive oil. Remove from heat. Add tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper and return to heat. Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Variations:
substitute 1 small chopped onion for garlic
substitute oregano for basil or use both
add 1/4 cup dry white wine
add 1/4 teaspoon crushed fennel seed