Weeknights, we're ready for you. In this sneak peek from the Simply Genius cookbook, we see how 101 Cookbooks founder Heidi Swanson squeezes big, bright flavor into an all-purpose 5-minute tomato sauce, despite it barely cooking at all.
Ingredients
1/4 cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
3 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 (28-ounce/794g) can crushed red tomatoes with no added herbs or seasonings (basil is okay)
zest of 1 lemon
Directions
In a cold saucepan, combine the olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and garlic, then set over medium-high heat. Stir with a wooden spoon as it heats and, once it starts to sizzle, cook just until everything is fragrant without browning the garlic, 45 seconds or so.
Stir in the tomatoes and heat to a gentle simmer, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, carefully taste, and add salt as needed.
Stir in most of the lemon zest, saving a bit to sprinkle. Serve with any pasta you like.
