Hearty Tomato Basil Sauce

A pot of red sauce simmering on the stove fills the home with a warmth that fights off the chill of the evening. This sauce is simple to prepare but offers a depth of flavor that store-bought jars simply cannot match. The addition of carrots adds a natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes without the need for added sugar.

Yields: 6 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Temperature: Stovetop

Ingredients

• Vegetable cooking spray
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup coarsely grated carrot
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can tomatoes with basil, undrained and chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Coat a Dutch oven with cooking spray and place it over medium-high heat until hot. Add the onion, carrot, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
2. Simmer: Add the tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Blend: Remove the bay leaf. Place the sauce in an electric blender or food processor. Blend for about 5 seconds; the mixture should not be completely smooth.
4. Finish: Return the sauce to the Dutch oven. Add the red wine vinegar and cook for 5 minutes.

Yield: 6 servings

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