Little Joe's Spaghetti Sauce

Little Joe's was a very popular Italian restaurant located just north of the Los Angeles Civic Center. It's now closed and the space is used as a movie set. However, the popularity of this recipe lives on and, years later, is still being requested for publication in the local newspapers. I think it deserves to be immortilized at 'Zaar.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 3  tablespoons olive oil
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 2  tablespoons bell peppers, minced
• 1  celery, chopped
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomato puree
• 1  tablespoon dried basil
• 1  tablespoon  crushed dried oregano
• 1  bay leaf
• 1⁄2 cup dry red wine
• 1  cup water
• 2  teaspoons salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2  tablespoons  freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large heavy pot.
2. Add onion, green pepper, celery and garlic and saute until vegetables are tender.
3. Add tomatoes, tomato puree, basil, oregano,and bay leaf.
4. Simmer for one hour, stirring frequently.
5. Add wine, water, salt and pepper.
6. Simmer one hour longer.
7. If sauce is too thick, add water.
8. When sauce is cooked, add Parmesan cheese and mix well.