Basic Marinara

1 large sweet onion diced
Olive oil
½ lb baby carrots shredded
5 cloves minced garlic
1 pinch crushed red pepper
1 bay leaf
2 t. Italian seasoning
¼ c. chopped fresh basil
2 large cans of whole or diced tomatoes
2 oz. tomato paste

Heat olive oil in sauce pan and add onion and carrots, salt the veggies and cover with lid to soften. Add crushed red pepper, garlic, bay leaf and Italian seasoning and sauté for 60 seconds. Add tomato paste and “toast” for 1-2 minutes. Add tomatoes and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Add basil and simmer an additional 10 minutes. Serve over spaghetti, add meatballs, some red wine and a pinch of allspice for a hearty dinner, or add to any recipe which calls for marinara.