A simple and versatile recipe for an authentic Italian tomato sauce, starting with finely diced celery, carrot, garlic, and shallots sautéed in olive oil for a rich, balanced flavor. Made with hand-crushed canned tomatoes, the sauce simmers gently with tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and Mediterranean herbs like oregano and thyme, resulting in a hearty yet smooth texture. Perfect year-round, it pairs beautifully with pasta, vegetables, rice, or proteins like meatballs or shrimp, and can be easily pre-cooked and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a convenient, flavorful base for quick meals.