Marinara Sauce

1/2 cup EVOO
2 small onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled & finely chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
2 (32 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
2 dried bay leaves

In a large casserole pot, heat the oil over medium-high flame. Add the onions & garlic and saute until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the celery, carrots & 1/2 teaspoon each of salt & pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes & bay leaves & simmer uncovered over low heat until the sauce thickens, about 1 hour. Remove & discard the bay leaf. Season the sauce with more salt & pepper to taste. (The sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, then cover & refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat before using.)

Number of Servings: 6

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user LISSARAYE.