Pomodoro Sauce

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 shallots, peeled and sliced, OR ¼ a yellow or white onion
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 celery stalk, sliced
• 1 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons butter (optional, omit for Whole30 or dairy-free diets), creates a silky texture and creamier flavor

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic and sauté, stirring often, until beginning to brown, about 2 minutes. Add carrot and celery and sauté for another minute. Add tomatoes and their juices and salt, stir to combine.
2. Simmer on low-to-medium heat until vegetables are softened, 10-15 minutes or up to an hour on the lowest simmer.
3. Puree with a handheld immersion blender, or carefully transfer ingredients to a blender or Vitamix to puree, and taste for seasoning. Add more salt if desired. If adding butter, keep the heat on low and stir in butter until it’s melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Notes: Sauce freezes very well - consider making a double batch and freezing for another dinner down the road. Use within 3-6 months after freezing.

Recipe by Marcia Smart of Smart in the Kitchen.