Quick Pasta Sauce

Makes 3 cups, enough for 1 pound of pasta

This full-flavored tomato sauce takes only 15 minutes to prepare. High-quality canned tomatoes will make a big difference in this sauce. Make sure the first ingredient is tomatoes. You'd be surprised at some cans that the first ingredient is something like tomato puree.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup grated onion , from 1 medium onion (Grate the onion on the large holes of a box grater.)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Table salt
• 2 medium garlic cloves , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (see note)
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Ground black pepper

Instructions:

Heat butter in medium saucepan over medium heat until melted.

Add onion, oregano, and ½ teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated and onion is golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Stir in tomatoes and sugar; increase heat to high and bring to simmer.

Lower heat to medium-low and simmer until thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.

Off heat, stir in basil and oil; season with salt and pepper. Serve.