1 1/4 cups onions, finely chopped
1 1/4 cups celery, finely chopped
1 cup carrots, finely chopped
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
8 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
Freshly-ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried basil, oregano or marjoram
1/4 teaspoon fennel seed (optional)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Cook onion, celery and carrots in olive oil over medium heat in a large pot, covered, until the vegetables are tender