Homemade Tomato Sauce Basic Spaghetti Sauce

Make a basic tomato sauce and then jazz it up
with one of the variations using basil, sage,
cheese, mushrooms, sausage and bell peppers.
May be made one week in advance or frozen.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, peeled, coarsely chopped
1 large carrot, peeled, coarsely chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled, finely chopped
5 large tomatoes, coarsely chopped
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
Coarse sea salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:
In a large heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Saute the onion and carrot for 2 to 3 minutes,
reduce the heat to medium, cover and cook the vegetables
over medium heat for about 25 minutes or until soft and golden.
Add the garlic, stir well, cover and sweat for 5 minutes more
or until softened. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste.
Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer,
uncovered, for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
Push the cooked sauce through a food mill
or blend in a pressure cooker and push through a sturdy,
small-holed strainer into a large bowl.
Add salt, pepper and seasonings to taste.