Marinara Sauce

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 small onions, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped

½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

2 (32-oz) cans crushed tomatoes

2 dried bay leaves

In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat.  Add the onions and garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes.  Add the celery, carrots, and ½ tsp each of salt and pepper.  Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.  Add the tomatoes and bay leaves, and simmer uncovered over low heat until the sauce thickens, about1 hour.  Remove and discard the bay leaves.  Season the sauce with more salt and pepper to taste. 

("Everyday Italian")
makes about 8 cups