Homemade Tomato Basic Sauce--Katie

Tomato Basil Sauce

1/3 cup olive oil
4 cloves minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
56 ounces canned tomatoes
24 ounces tomato paste
56 ounces water
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
1 teaspoon black ground pepper
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup fresh whole basil leaves (I tend to use more than the required amount)
1 (2-ounce) chunk Romano cheese

In large pot, cook garlic and red pepper flakes in oil on low heat for 3 to 5 minutes only. Add tomatoes, paste, water, all seasonings, and fresh basil. Bring to a boil and then reduce to low heat. Add the chunk of Romano cheese. Cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours stirring often.