Foryoueats: Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small zucchini, roughly chopped
• 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped
• 1/2 leek, approximately 1/2 cup, roughly chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, cored and roughly chopped
• 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1-2 cups of water, veggie or chicken stock
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• 2 tsp Italian herb mix
• 2 tbsp butter (optional)
• 1-2 tbsp sugar or maple syrup (optional)
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• salt and pepper to taste