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 saute 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