Simple Seasoned Tomato Sauce

• extra virgin olive oil↗1⁄2 cup
• small onion, chapped↗1
• garlic cloves, chopped↗2
• stalk celery, chopped↗1
• carrot, chopped↗1
• (32 ounce) can crushed tomatoes↗1
• basil leaves↗4 -6
• sea salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• fresh ground black pepper↗1 teaspoon
• unsalted butter (optional)↗5 tablespoons
• bay leaves↗2

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat.

2. 2

   Add onion and garlic and saute until soft and translucent--about 2 minutes. Add celery and carrot and season with salt and pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, basil and bay leaves and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1 hour or until thick. Remove bay leaves and taste for seasoning. If sauce tastes too acidic, add unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, to round out the flavour.

3. 3

   I like my sauce a little spicier, so I add a few red pepper flakes.