Pasta with Marinara Sauce - Aunt Jae

1 large chopped onion

1/2 cup green pepper, chopped

1/4 cup carrot, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup celery, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp. olive oil or cooking oil

2 cups tomatoes, chopped, peeled or 1 14 1/2 oz. canned tomatoes, cut up

1/2  6 oz. can tomato paste

2 tsp. fresh basil, snipped or 1/4 tsp. dried basil, crushed

2 tsp. fresh oregano, snipped or 1/2 tsp. dried oregano, crushed

1 tsp.  fresh thyme, snipped or 1/4 tsp. dried thyme, crushed

1/2 tsp. sugar

4 oz. spaghetti or linguine, uncooked

Instructions:

In a large skillet cook onion, sweet pepper, carrot, celery, and garlic in hot oil until tender.  Stir in fresh or un-drained canned tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, thyme, sugar, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.  Bring to boiling:  reduce heat.  Cover and simmer 30 minutes.  If necessary, uncover and simmer 10 to 15 minutes more or to desired consistency, stir occasionally.

Meanwhile, cook spaghetti 10 to 12 minutes or until tender but still firm.  Drain well.  Serve with sauce. 

Makes 4 side-dish servings.