Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, including leaves, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) dried basil leaves
  • 1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) dried oregano leaves
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cans (28 oz/796 mL) plum tomatoes, including juice, chopped
  • 1 can (5 1/2 oz/156 mL) tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup (50 mL) finely chopped fresh parsley

Method

  • In a large Dutch oven or saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, basil, oregano, sugar, pepper and bay leaf; cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until vegetables are softened.
  • Stir in tomatoes with juice, tomato paste and 1 tomato-paste can of water.
  • Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  • Remove bay leaf; stir in parsley.
  • Let cool; pack into containers and refrigerate or freeze.