Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
• 5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 small bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3 15-ounce cans of tomatoes
• 2 Tablespoons dried thyme
• 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
• 3 dried bay leaves
• 2 Tablespoons sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sweat the vegetables in the oil until the onions are transluscent.
2. Add the tomatoes, thyme, oregano, bay, and sugar.
3. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer.
4. Cook for half an hour to 45 minutes.
5. (Optional) Blend or put the sauce through a food mill until the sauce is smooth and uniform rather than chunky.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Yield

Makes about 2 quarts.

Variations

If you're looking for an "Italian" sauce, use green bell pepper instead of celery. For a really nice chili base, trade the celery for poblanos and jalapeños.