Tomatoes contain a compound called Lycopene its now believed that when tomatoes and olive oil are teamed together that the olive oil optimizes the body’s use of the Lycophene further optimizing its powerful heart health properties.

http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/nut/article/PIIS0899900705002972/abstract

Tomatoes are so good for you, so why not take a little extra time to make this recipe using fresh tomatoes rather than canned ones? The flavor is ultimately superior and so are the health benefits.

Ingredients:
10 Plumb tomatoes
2 cloves of garlic
1 chili (add chili to your taste)
4 tablespoons of olive oil
Fresh basil leaves – about 10
Enough penne pasta for 2 persons

This is enough sauce to coat the pasta, if you want more sauce, simply make more.

Method:
Cut a cross in the top and bottom of each plumb tomato

Submerge in boiling water for 20 seconds

Then put into cold water that has a couple of ice cubes in it and leave for 20 more

The tomato skin will easily lift and peal off.

Dice the tomatoes

Add the olive oil to a pan and heat, add the chili and stir for a few seconds, then add the garlic and stir for just 10 or 20 seconds then add the tomatoes.

Crush the tomato with a back of a fork to speed up their breaking down.

Cook the penne pasta so nearly just done in plenty of salted water and drain.

Add the drained pasta, (reserve some of the pasta water).

Give the whole thing a good stir and a simmer for a minute, add a little of the pasta water as needed so its not to dry, and then add the basil leaves and then serve immediately.

This dish goes well with a green salad, garlic bread and a nice bottle of Italian red wine.

Tip: Put a little shake of olive oil and red wine vinegar on the salad and the smallest pinch of salt will bring out its flavor.