North Plymouth Meat Sauce

This recipe has been enjoyed in North Plymouth since before the second World War.

In a large enameled or stainless saucepan:

1. Saute 8 medium chopped onions and 6 crushed garlic cloves in 4 T olive oil until soft.

2. Add 5 lb Lean Ground Beef and brown thoroughly.

3. Add a can of Tomato Paste and then the same can refilled with warm water and stir it in. Bring to a simmer. When it is back to the simmer, repeat until you have added 5-6 cans paste and 5-6 cans water.

4. Add two 28-oz cans Homestyle Crushed Tomatoes and return to a simmer.

5. Bring to a simmer and add:

• 1 t. Oregano or Italian Seasoning

• Salt to taste

• 1 t basil (optional)

• 1 bay leaf (optional)

6. Stir well and simmer for three hours over low heat. As it simmers, the acidity of the tomatoes will mellow and the flavors will marry together.

This recipe makes quite a lot, and it freezes well. When it is finished, cool it and put it into individual containers. Then simply defrost the amount you need as you need it.