Tomato Sauce

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 medium-size onion, finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped
1/2 small green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste

In a medium-size heavy saucepan, melt the butter over moderate heat, add the onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic and stir till softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and sugar, season with salt and pepper, stir well, and cook till the sauce is thickened. 10-15 minutes.

Marinara Sauce: Substitute olive oil for the butter and add about 1/2 teaspoon crumbled dried oregano.

Makes about 3 cups.