Crock Pot Marinara Sauce Vegetarian And Fat-Free - tomatoes

Ingredients

• 1 (28 ounce) can whole Italian-style tomatoes (cut up and undrained)
• 2 large carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic (can use more)
• 1 large bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 -3 teaspoons sugar
• 2 -3 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning (rubbed between fingers to release the flavors)
• 2 -4 teaspoons dried red pepper flakes (optional or to taste)
• 1 large bay leaf
• salt and black pepper (I use quite a lot of salt to bring out the flavor!)