How to Make Fresh Tomato Sauce - A Zest for Life

Ingredients

• 12 large ripe tomatoes (such as Plum or Beefsteak: relatively few seeds, and a plump, meaty texture) "Seconds" are great will remove blemishes and dark spots.
• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup sweet onions, peeled and chopped medium- fine
• 2 tablespoons shallots, peeled and chopped medium fine
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, peeled and chopped medium
• 3 sprigs fresh basil
• 4 1/2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes, from the 12 tomatoes (see recipe below)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon pure cane sugar
• a pinch or two of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste