John's Marinara Sauce

Recipe by my husband, John.

John created this a few years ago for my Dad's special diet. We love it! I freeze it in small containers so there is always some available. Ice cube trays work great - pop out and store in a plastic bag once frozen.

MARINARA SAUCE

Ingredients:

1 28-30 oz can crushed tomatoes 
1 cup Miripois (roughly diced bell pepper (1/2), onion (1 medium) , carrot (2) , & celery (3 stalks))
1/2 cup vegetable stock or water
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp sea salt
I tsp fresh oregano – minced
1 tsp fresh thyme – minced
1 tsp crushed red pepper (if desired)
3 bay leaves
2 tbs olive oil

Procedure:

Place the olive oil in a cast iron Dutch oven. Sauté the miripois & garlic over medium high heat until the onions are translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable stock, herbs, salt, red pepper (if desired), & bay leaves. Simmer stirring occasionally for an hour (or longer – longer is better). Remove bay leaves & serve. 

Note: This recipe freezes well. We usually use some immediately and freeze the rest in ice cube trays. A few cubes can be added to dishes for instant marinara!