As Promised: Andrea’s Simple Tomato Sauce

Yesterday I posted a picture of 5 containers of homemade spaghetti sauce on facebook…and was informed of the unwritten rule “If you post food images, you must also include the recipe”…well here is the recipe.  it is my step-mom’s recipe. (Andrea….yes we have the same name…well kinda….I’m An-drea and she is On-drea…but on paper it is the same)….

You Need the following;

1/2 Cup extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, chopped (i use pre-chopped roasted garlic)

1 stalk of celery, chopped (i don’t use any because my opinion of celery is yuck)

1 carrot chopped (i grate mine…like with the cheese grater)

1 red pepper, chopped (i don’t use one because Jason’s opinion of red pepper is yuck)

sea salt & ground pepper

2 (32oz) cans crushed tomatoes

4-6 basil leaves

2 dried bay leaves

4 T unsalted butter

1 1/5 lbs of meat of your choice…we usually combine different meats (this is not in the recipe since my step mom is a vegetarian)

Follow these directions;

In a large casserole pot heat oil over medium heat. Add onion & garlic. Saute until soft & translucent (about 2 mins)

Add celery & carrots and season with salt and pepper,

Saute until all veggies are soft (about 5 mins)

Add tomatoes, basil & bay leaves. (and meat!)

Simmer covered on low heat for 1 hour or until thick.

Remove bay leaves & check seasoning.

If sauce tastes acidic add butter 1 Tablespoon at a time (I also add a tablespoon of sugar)

Add half the sauce into a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. (I don’t do this) repeat with remaining sauce. (be careful it is hot and will blow out the top of the blender…thanks Mom!)

Will freeze for 6 months

Thoughts from An-drea (aka Andie)

Like in life…i only use the recipe as a guideline….trust me if you knew our relationship, you would be surprised I follow it as much as I do…. who ever thought a recipe could be used as a metaphor for my step-mom and I’s realztionship???  mmmm

I double the recipe every time I make it so I have lots and lots to freeze, because after 7 years of marriage Jason informed me he doesn’t like the sauce i was buying from the store…