Salsa Di Pomodoro - Tomato & Basil Sauce

This is my favorite Tomato & Basil sauce. Absolutely fresh and fantastic and can be used with pasta or any of your favorite italian recipes that requires the use of the ever famous Salsa di Pomodoro - tomato sauce. Cook it in advance and store.

1 canned diced Italian tomatoes
4 fresh tomatoes blanched peeled & puréed
120ml olive oil
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
1 large onion finely chopped
Sea salt
Freshly ground pepper
1tsp sugar
1 cup water or more (depending on the required consistency)
1 sprig basil leaves
2 tbsp freshly chopped oregano or 1 tbsp dried oregano
2 tbsp butter (optional)

Method:

Heat olive oil in a heavy bottom pan. Add chopped garlic and fry for a few minutes.
Add the onion and fry until it begins to change color.
Now stir in the tomato puree and cook for 2 – 3 minutes stirring frequently . Add the canned tomatoes and the seasoning (pepper, salt, oregano, sugar). Add the water and bring to a boil.
Now reduce heat, add in the basil leaves and simmer for about an hour or till the sauce reduces to your required consistency. Now add in the (optional) butter.