Southwestern Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 small bell peppers, chopped
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 4 pounds ripe plum or regular tomatoes or 2 (20 ounce) cans Italian plum tomatoes or4 cups tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Brown onion and green pepper in vegetable oil. Stir frequently over low heat until vegetables are soft and onion is transparent.
2. If using canned tomatoes or Tomato Sauce, stir into the oil mixture. If using fresh tomatoes, peel them over the pot containing the oil mixture and drop in whole tomato. Taste and add spices. Simmer, covered, for about 1 hour, then adjust seasonings.

Southwestern Tomato Sauce can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for about 1 week, or frozen for up to 9 months.