An Italian Grandmother, I Am Not....

We are all too busy! 

 We run here and there, hither and thither, barely stopping to eat, much less cook. 

As much as I would LOVE to have all day to loving stir a simmering pot of fresh tomato sauce, 

 ...it just ain't gonna happen!

 But... I have always wanted to make my own tomato sauce. Tonight was the night. I am turning into a rather adventurous old broad! 

I used my in-laws as guinea pigs! While the pot simmered, we spiralized a few zucchini, steamed some brussel sprouts, and set the table. A delicious vegan dinner in no time flat! 

Buon appetito!

Working Woman's Homemade Tomato Sauce

(Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan)

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
• pinch Red Pepper Flakes
• 2-3 stalks Celery, chopped
• 1 Carrot, chopped
• small handful Crimini Mushrooms, about 5-7, sliced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 (28oz) cans Eden Organic Crushed Roma Tomatoes (BPA Free!)
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 Tablespoon dried Oregano
• a few handfuls fresh Baby Spinach
• 1/4 cup packed fresh, Italian Parsley, chopped
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
2. Saute' onions, a pinch of salt, and red pepper flakes until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add celery, carrots, and mushrooms and saute' until soft, add garlic and saute' about 30 seconds.
4. Pour crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, oregano, spinach, and salt & pepper to taste. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer 7 minutes.
6. After about 7 minutes, add chopped fresh parsley. Continue to simmer about 3 minutes.
7. VOILA!

Now Mangia!