Old World Spaghetti With Chunky Tomato Sauce

1/4 cup water or olive oil
1 1/2 cups diced onion
3/4 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
3 cups tomato sauce
2 cups tomato purée
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 1/2 tsp. dried basil
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 lb. uncooked spaghetti

• Heat the water or olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onions for 5 to 6 minutes, then add the celery, green pepper, mushrooms and garlic and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce and tomato purée and stir until the sauce is well blended. Add the herbs, salt, and pepper and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
• Cook the pasta according to package directions.
• Remove the bay leaf from the sauce and serve with the pasta.

Makes 6 servings