Tomato Sauce (Italian)

This authentic Italian tomato sauce can be used for pasta or other meat and/or vegetable dishes where a light sauce is required.

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 cups carrots, diced
2 cups celery, diced
½ lb mushrooms, sliced
3 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce (6 cups)
½ cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. dried basil
½ tsp. dried oregano

Sauté the first 6 ingredients until tender. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Using a food processor blend until smooth.

Makes 7 cups.