Tomato Sauce with Butter and Onion

I had a bit of an emotional week, so I am ever so happy that it is Friday!  Okay, I'm always happy when it's Friday, but this week more than most.  AND.. not only am I happy it's Friday, but I am SOOOOO incredibly happy that I get to share this recipe with you.  If you have not seen this or tried this, I HIGHLY recommend it.  This is one of those recipes that has sat in my "must try" folder for years and, like most, I'm glad I finally found the time to make it. This is one of the easiest and yet flavorful sauce recipes I have ever come across.  Now, there is, of course, something wonderful about sauces made from scratch that simmer for hours.  But, there is always something wonderful about something that takes no time at all, yet makes everyone think you spent hours on it!  This is one of those recipes.

I added cooked ground pork to my sauce because, as I have stated before, Chris is not a fan of just pasta and sauce, he likes to have a little protein in there... so I usually will try and accommodate that if I can.  Hear me now, though, this sauce does not need anything else.  It is perfect just the way that it is... tomatoes, butter, onion.... done and done!

Tomato Sauce with Butter and Onion
Adapted from Smitten Kitchen
Printable Recipe 
Ingredients:
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
5 Tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion, peeled and halved
salt and pepper to taste
12 oz ziti or penne pasta
1/2 lbs ground pork, cooked and seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper and thyme (optional)

Directions:
Put the tomatoes, onion and butter in a heavy saucepan (it fit perfectly in a 3-quart saucepan) over medium heat.  Bring the sauce to a simmer then lower the heat to keep the sauce at a slow, steady simmer for about 45 minutes, or until droplets of fat float free of the tomatoes.  Stir occasionally.  Remove from heat, discard the onion, add salt to taste.  Keep warm while you prepare pasta. (You can add the cooked pork or any additional ingredients you may want to add at this time - but to be honest, this sauce needs nothing else.  It is perfect just the way that it is!)  Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and serve with sauce.  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.  Enjoy!

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