Simple Tomato Sauce

Recipe by Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• Sea salt and ground black pepper
• 2 large cans crushed tomatoes
• 4-6 fresh basil leaves
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 4 T unsalted butter, optional

Directions:

1. In large dutch over or casserole pot, heat oil over medium high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic and saute until soft and translucent, about 2 minutes
3. Add celery and carrots, season with salt and pepper and saute until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes, basil, and bay leaves and simmer covered on low heat for 1 hour or until thick.
5. Remove the bay leaves and check seasoning.
6. If sauce tastes acidic, add unsalted butter, a tablespoon at a time to round out flavors.
7. Add half of the sauce to a food processor and process until smooth.  Combine with remaining sauce.