Tortellini in Tomato Sauce

Special Tomato Sauce, that is!

I got this cookbook at a yard sale a couple years ago.

I've tried several recipes and have my eye on several more, but I'd never tried the Special Tomato Sauce.

Last night I couldn't figure out what to make for dinner.  Then I remembered we had a huge bag of tri color cheese tortellini in the freezer.  But what about a sauce?  I didn't feel like thawing any ground beef or sausage to make a meat sauce.  I pulled out my favorite Italian cookbook and turned to the pasta section.  Then I saw it.  The Special Tomato Sauce recipe.  Six ingredients, plus salt, pepper and herbs.  SIX!  I had five of the six (no celery), so decided to try it out.  It was so simple and it turned out amazing, if I do say so myself!

Special Tomato Sauce

1 2/3 lb tomatoes, fresh or canned, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
5 T olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper
a few leaves fresh basil or a small pinch dried oregano

1.  Place all the ingredients in a medium heavy saucepan and simmer together for 30 minutes.
2.  Puree the sauce in a food processor, or press through a sieve.
3.  Return the sauce to the pan, correct the seasoning and simmer again for about 15 minutes.

*Cook's Tip*
This sauce may be spooned into freezer bags and frozen until required.  Allow to thaw to room temperature before re-heating.

I put more carrot in than called for (I have to sneak those veggies to the kids somehow!) and used a large onion rather than medium.  I can't wait till our garden is going later this summer.  It would be so good with fresh ingredients.  Or different ingredients.  Zucchini?  Peppers?

Linking up to -

Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday