Ingredients

• 1 medium yellow onion
• 1 medium carrot
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 stalk celery
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound ripe tomatoes or one 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground pepper a piacere (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Peel and finely chop the onion, carrot, and garlic. Finely chop the celery. Sauté the vegetables in the olive oil in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring, until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, if using fresh tomatoes, peel and seed them, then roughly chop.
3. Stir the fresh or canned tomatoes into the vegetables. For extra zing, add some red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and flavorful. Season with salt and pepper.