Ziti al Telefono

• 2 cups basic tomato sauce, recipe follows
• 2 medium round tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1 bunch basil leaves, stems removed, to yield 1/4 cup
• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1 Spanish onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 3 ounces virgin olive oil
• 4 tablespoons fresh thyme (or 2 tablespoons dried)
• 1/2 medium carrot, finely shredded
• 2 28 -ounce cans of tomatoes, crushed and mixed well with their juices
• Salt, to taste

1. Place 6 quarts water to boil and add 2 tablespoons salt
2. In a 12 to 14-inch saute pan, place tomato sauce and tomatoes and bring to a boil.
3. Lower heat to simmer and add basil leaves without stirring.
4. Cook pasta according to package instructions, until just short of "al dente".
5. Drain in colander and toss into pan with tomatoes and basil.
6. Add mozzarella pieces and toss over medium heat until cheese is just melting.
7. Pour into warm bowls and serve immediately.
8. Saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil over medium heat until translucent, but not brown (about 10 minutes).
9. Add the thyme and carrot and cook 5 minutes more.
10. Add the tomatoes.
11. Bring to a boil, lower the heat to just bubbling, stirring occasionally for 30 minutes.
12. Season with salt to taste.
13. Serve immediately, or set aside for further use.
14. Thesauce may be refrigerated for up to one week or frozen for up to 6 months.
15. Yield: 6 cups

tomato sauce, tomatoes, basil, pasta, mozzarella, onion, garlic, virgin olive oil, fresh thyme, carrot, tomatoes, salt

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mario-batali/ziti-al-telefono-recipe.html (may not work)