by request

I know a lot of you already have this recipe, but I've had a few requests for it on the blog so please forgive the repetition.
Marinara Sauce

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 small onions, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
4 stalks celery, finely chopped
4 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
#10 can crushed tomatoes
5 dried bay leaves

In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and saute until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the celery, carrots, and 1 teaspoon of each salt and pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and bay leaves, and simmer uncovered over low heat until the sauce thickens, about 1 hour(if you have the time let it simmer over very low heat for even longer, it will let the flavors blend and make your house smell yummy-I've let mine go for 3 hours before-just be sure to stir once in a while). Remove and discard the bay leaves. Season the sauce with more salt and pepper, to taste. (The sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, then cover and refrigerate (or freeze some). Rewarm over medium heat before using.)