Greek-Style Tomato Sauce with Garlic and Chickpeas

This is a zesty alternative to the usual Italian style sauces. I particularly like it over soft polenta, but it's also good over pasta or spaghetti squash. If you like, substitute cooked cubed chicken for the chickpeas. Top with Parmesan. (This marked the end of my home canned tomatoes from last summer.)

olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups peeled tomatoes (canned or frozen), with some liquid drained off
1-2 tsp dried sage
Pinch of cinnamon
Red pepper flakes to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cooked chickpeas

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes over medium-high heat. Add the tomatoes and all the remaining ingredients. If using whole tomatoes, mash them up with a fork or the back of a spoon while they cook. Simmer for 15-30 minutes (or longer if you like). Taste and adjust seasonings.

Serve over polenta, pasta, or spaghetti squash. Makes enough sauce for 1 lb pasta, polenta made from 1 1/2 cups dry cornmeal, or 1 medium spaghetti squash - enough to serve 4-6.