-
1
Cut celery and onion (and bell pepper if used) as fine as you prefer.
-
2
If you like chunky style sauce make the pieces bigger, I like mine chopped fairly small.
-
3
In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tblspn of oil, when oil is hot (not smoking) add celery and stirfry.
-
4
As celery begins to clarify, add onion (and bell pepper, if used) and stirfry until it begins to glaze, add chopped garlic, stir for a short time (don't let anything begin to brown).
-
5
If using meat, add ground beef or stew beef and brown, stirring regularly, adjust heat to make sure nothing burns.
-
6
Salt and black pepper to taste.
-
7
Transfer to a larger pot (if you have a good sized pot that you can brown in, you can just start with that instead of using the skillet.).
-
8
Stir in tomato paste and cook until the color darkens.
-
9
Stir in tomatos and tomato sauce.
-
10
Add spices (Italian seasoning or individual spices) to taste.
-
11
Add 3 Bay Leaves.
-
12
Stir in mushrooms and/or black olives and crushed red pepper, if desired.
-
13
Stir in 1-2 cans of water (I use the tomato paste, tomato and tomato paste cans to get the leavings out of them.).
-
14
Adjust heat to simmer.
-
15
Let cook for at least 1 hour, longer if you can, and stir regularly.
-
16
Check spice to taste and add what you want.
-
17
You can cook this for a little while or for a longer time.
-
18
I prefer at least 2 hours to give all the spices a chance to blend well.
-
19
But it can be cooked for as little as a half hour.
-
20
If you want it to cook for a long time, monitor the thickness and add water as needed.
-
21
Don't forget to remove the Bay Leaves before serving.
-
22
Some people like to add a pinch of sugar to cut the acidity, but I believe that the Bay Leaves accomplish this and have never used sugar.
-
23
When done, serve over or mix with the cooked pasta of your choice.
-
24
Add grated parmissan if desired.
-
25
Also individuals can add crushed red pepper to their own servings, for those who like it a little spicier.
-
26
If making a baked dish such as Lasagna, Ziti, etc.
-
27
you may want to make the sauce a little thinner (add water) to start with.
