Homemade Pasta Sauce

My mom used to make Pasta Sauce from scratch in a large batch once a year and freeze portioned bags. It was one of those days you can still smell and your mouth waters. I remember my friends and I stealing bread and dipping it in the stockpot when she wasn't looking and always getting caught! A great Sunday recipe when you have the day to enjoy cooking!

Large bowl of fresh Roma tomatoes, peeled and seeded (Cut an x on the top and drop into boiling water for 20 seconds, then run under cold water. Skins will peel right off.)

1/4 cup olive oil

3 medium onions, diced

10 cloves of garlic, chopped

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon oregano

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon parsley

salt and course black pepper

1 carrot, 1/2 grated and added to sauce (other half added to sauce whole for last 30 minutes then removed)

2 large green bell peppers, diced

1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper to taste

1 tablespoon sugar

In a stockpot, add olive oil, onions, garlic, grated carrots and green pepper and sauté until softened. Add tomatoes and seasonings and simmer 2-3 hours at the minimum for flavor. (Sauce is better the longer ingredients simmer) Add piece of carrot for the last 30 minutes to absorb acidity. Remove bay leaves and carrot. Optional add 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese. 

Use fresh, can or freeze.

Serve over favorite pasta with fresh bread!

Enjoy ~ Eat4Self