Very Veggie Tomato Sauce

I love tomato sauce.  I could sit down with a bowl of it, some bread, and be quite a happy camper.  This particular recipe is a staple in my home.  I make a big batch of this sauce and freeze some in portioned containers for future use.  It is easy, delicious, and full of wonderful veggies.  I promise not to tell the kids if you don't!  Trust me, they will never know!

This is a sauce that can be used for spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, and pretty much anything you think tomato sauce goes on/with!  I have actually posted this recipe on another blog I have (inthemouthsofbabes.blogspot.com), but that site I have admittedly been slacking on, and it's geared more towards baby friendly food.  I have tested this sauce on several friends and family, and it is a winner!

Ingredients:

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 large onion, diced

2 large carrots, diced
1 stalk of celery, diced

4 garlic cloves, chopped

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 bell pepper (whatever happens to be cheaper or on sale (red, green, or those little sweet peppers that come in all colors)), just make sure you have around 3/4 to 1 cup, seeds removed, diced

2 28oz cans diced tomatoes

1/4 cup basil, roughly chopped

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat olive oil over med high heat in large saucepan or dutch oven.  Add onions, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes.  Then add garlic, zucchini, and bell pepper, and continue to cook until all veggies are softened, about another 5  to 10 minutes.  Add tomatoes (including juices), basil, salt, and pepper, and let it come up to a boil.  Once at a boil, place lid on, and turn down to medium low, and let simmer for at least 2 hours (the longer the better, I let mine go for 2 - 3 hours depending on how much time I have), stirring occasionally.  Then with an immersion blender (or you can do this in batches in a regular blender), puree the sauce until desired smoothness (I like mine just a bit chunky).  Use half for whatever you are making that night, and freeze the other half for another time!