RELLA’S TOMATO VEGETABLE SAUCE

Ingredients

2 cans pasta sauce

1 can whole tomatoes

1 small can tomato sauce

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 small onion, diced

3 – 4 cloves garlic, diced  

1 large carrot, diced

2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

2 large, sweet peppers, seeded and diced

1 tbsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

½ tsp red pepper chili flakes

2 tbsp green seasoning  

½ cup red wine

Generous pinches salt and black pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

Directions

1. Pour the whole tomatoes into a bowl and using your hand, squeeze the whole tomatoes until they are sauce like. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large pot or saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add the onions and cook for 1 minute. Add the carrots, sweet peppers and green seasoning and cook for approximately 2 minutes.
4. Add the mushrooms and garlic, cooking for another minute. Add the oregano, basil and chili flakes if using. Season with a little salt and black pepper. Add the tomato paste and mix well. Add the red wine and let cook for another 1 – 2 minutes.
5. Add the pasta sauce, whole tomatoes and tomato sauce and mix well into the vegetables. Cover and let cook for 15 – 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Serve sauce as is with pasta or polenta. Or add cooked meatballs to the sauce and heat through, serving as desired.