Gourmet Tomato Sauce
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 strip thick-cut bacon, minced
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup minced carrot
1/2 cup minced green pepper
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 cans (28 ounces each) Italian-style peeled plum tomatoes with juices
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper
Heat the oil in a large wide saucepan. Add the onion, mushrooms, carrot, green pepper, and bacon. Sauté, stirring, until golden, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté 1 minute.
Puree the canned tomatoes and add to the saucepan. Add the tomato paste. Heat, stirring, to simmering. Add the basil, bay leaf, and oregano. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer, covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and simmer for 1 hour longer, until sauce thickens. You may add water or wine if the sauce is too thick.
