Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 small carrot or 1/2 large carrot, finely chopped
• 1 small rib celery, including the green tops, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes, including the juice, or 1 3/4 pound fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
• 1 teaspoon tomato paste
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste