MARINARA SAUCE

Another common sauce used in US.
This was taught by my African friend.
Its a very common sauce, which every one makes.

MARINARA SAUCE

Ingredients:

1 kg red ripe tomatoes, blanched and skin removed
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic pips finely chopped
1 medium onion finely chopped
2 stalks celery finely chopped
1 medium sized carrot finely chopped
½ tsp salt or more if you like
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp oregano
1 tbs chopped parsely
1 tsp sugar (optional)
2 bay leaves.

Method:

In a large pot, heat the oil on medium heat.
Add the onions and garlic and sauté for about 10 minutes.

Add in the celery, carrots, salt, sugar and pepper.
Sauté well, till all the vegetables are soft.

Add the crushed tomatoes and the bay leaves.
Also add in the oregano and parsely leaves
Simmer on low heat without covering.
Let the sauce thicken, it will take about 30 minutes.
Stir once in a while.
When the sauce thickens, remove from the flame.
Remove the bay leaves, taste for salt and pepper.
When cool you can blend it for a smooth finish.
Cool and refrigerate. This sauce can be used for all types of pasta,
also as the base for pizza.
You can even use it as a dip. It keeps well for a week.