Basic (and Delicious) Tomato Sauce

In my opinion, canned tomato sauce just doesn't compare to the homemade stuff. It is even better when there are fresh tomatoes at the grocery store or farmer's market. Unfortunately, we don't get enough sun anywhere in our yard to grow our own veggies. However, I am still really excited for this summer because Jason and I (together with two other couples) have decided to buy into a CSA. Bethania Bottoms is owned and run by my friend and former neighbor, Cory (over whom my girlfriends and I spent the better part of our formative high school years drooling), and his partner, Kayla. They have worked really hard to get make this dream into a reality, and I am really proud of them!

Basic Tomato Sauce

Kelley Gondring

In a medium saucepan, heat:
2-3 tablespoons olive oil

Once hot, add:
3 small carrots, finely diced
1 stalk celery, finely diced
2 small white onions, finely diced
4 large cloves minced garlic
1 tablespoon basil
2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
Sautee over medium heat for 10 minutes or until veggies are tender.

Add:
28 ounces diced tomatoes
14.5 ounces whole tomatoes
6 ounces tomato paste
Thoroughly combine the tomatoes with the veggies. Cover and let simmer for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors fully develop. Stir every so often so that the bottom doesn't burn. Reduce heat if necessary.

Makes ~4 cups sauce.

Serve over your favorite noodles or add to lasagna or eggplant parmesan.

Eat up!