Square's Simple Spaghetti Sauce

Serves 3-4.

Ingredients:

6 Large Tomatoes, Chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, Chopped
1 Large Red Onion, Chopped
2 Large Carrots, Chopped
600g Beef Mince
3 Tbs Olive Oil
4 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 Tbs Balsamic Vinegar
2 Tbs Tomato Puree
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Basil, Fresh (Chopped) or Dried, to taste
1/4 pint of Water or Stock (Vegetable or Beef)

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, lightly mix the tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, basil and 2 tbs of Balsamic Vinegar. Add two generous pinches of salt and pepper each. Cover and set aside to marinade for at least 5-10 minutes.

2. Heat olive oil in a saucepan till hot. Add garlic and onions, with a pinch of salt. Fry lightly till slightly brown, then reduce heat and cover to 'sweat' for 3 minutes.

3. Increase heat to high. Add beef mince and carrots and the other 2 tbs of balsamic vinegar. Fry till meat is brown, approx. 2-3 minutes.

4. Remove mince mixture from heat and drain excess water and oil.

5. Return mince mixture to medium heat and add tomato mixture. Dillute tomato puree in the water/stock and add to mince and tomato mixture. Let it simmer, stiring occasionally, for 8-12 minutes or until water is reduced.

Notes:

Use Salt, Pepper, Basil and Balsamic Vinegar to taste. Olives (black and/or green) make a great variation to the recipe. The sauce should taste simple, fresh and naturally sweet, if fresh ingredients are used. Serve with freshly boiled spaghetti, al dente. Toss spaghetti in parsley, freshly chopped or dried for better results. Top with milled black pepper, shaved parmesan and a dose of extra virgin olive oil.

p.s. Yes, I did create that recipe myself - its not from some recipe book somewhere, its from my square brain; and even if it is replicated in some dumb recipe book somewhere, its mere coincidence... :)