Basic Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 pounds ripe tomatoes
• 1/2 stalk celery, chopped into 1/4-inch slices
• 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 onion, coarsely diced
• 6 basil leaves
• 1/2 carrot, diced

Wash the tomatoes and chop them coarsely. In a skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat, and gently cook the vegetables and the garlic clove until the onion is translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and half the basil leaves, and cook for about 30 miutes. Remove from the heat and add the remaining basil. Purée in a liquidizer or using a hand blender.

Makes 3 to 4 cups