Awesome Marinara Sauce

1 large carrot, peeled
1 large stalk of celery, leaves removed
1/2 an onion
5 cloves of garlic
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 baby bella mushrooms, sliced
several leaves of fresh basil, finely chopped (or substitute half a teaspoon of dried basil)
a splash of red wine

Mince the celery, carrot, onion and garlic very fine (using a food processor makes it much easier). Pour olive oil into a large sauce pan, add the minced veggies and the red pepper flakes (you don't have to use 1/4 tsp, add it to your personal taste). Saute 5 minutes or so until golden, but be careful not to burn the garlic. Add a few tablespoons of water if you need to. Slice the mushrooms and add them, saute until they are slightly tender (if you don't like 'shrooms, leave them out). Add 2 28 oz cans of tomatoes, I prefer 1 can petite diced and 1 can of crushed, but you can use two diced or two crushed, or substitute one with a can of tomato sauce (2 cans of tomato sauce is not recommended, the sauce will be very thin). Cook over medium heat until bubbly, then lower to a simmer and cook at least 1 hour (two is better). A few minutes before serving, add the basil and a splash of red wine (or something else to sweeten and tone down the acidity if you prefer, brown sugar works nicely too). Add kosher salt to taste. This recipe makes at least 12 half-cup sized servings (which should be enough for 1 cup of pasta).

Number of Servings: 12

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user AMYHESTER99.