Ingredients

  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 14 12 ounces petite diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 large green pepper, diced
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, diced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 12 teaspoons cumin
  • 6 leaves fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 12 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seed

Method

  • Saute onion, green pepper, celery, carrot, and garlic in olive oil until soft.
  • Add the bay leaves, salt, pepper, cumin, cayenne, thyme, oregano and fennel seeds.
  • Stir in can tomatoes, and fresh tomatoes.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for one hour.
  • Stir in basil and serve.
  • Note: after the first hour this sauce can be covered, on very low heat, for an additional hour.
  • This sauce tastes better the next day!