Traditional Tomato Sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1 small carrot, chopped
1/2 c. mixed green and red pepper, chopped
8-10 mushrooms, sliced
1 t. dried oregano
1/4 t. dried basil
1/4 t. dried thyme
1/4 t. pepper
1 t. salt
2 T. olive oil
1 t. sweetener
1 5-1/2-oz. can tomato paste
5-8 fresh tomatoes, diced
1 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes

In a large pot, saute the garlic, onion, carrot, peppers, mushrooms, oregano, basil, thyme, pepper, and salt in oil on medium heat until the onion is translucent. Add sweetener, tomato paste, and tomatoes. Cover with lid and simmer on medium-low heat for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Sauce will be very thick; if you like a thinner sauce, add a little stock or water until you've reached the desired consistency.

Serve with pasta or use for lasagna.

This sauce freezes well.

Makes 4-6 servings.

Adapted from How It All Vegan!, p. 81.