Tomato Sauce

2 Tbs olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
2 cup Italian plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped but NOT drained
3 Tbs tomato paste
1 Tbs finely cut fresh basil (1 tsp dried basil)
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
freshly ground black pepper

Using a 2-3 quart enameled or stainless steel saucepan, heat olive oil until a light haze forms over it. Add the onions and cook them over moderate heat for 7-8 minutes or until they are soft but not brown.

Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, sugar, salt and a few grindings of pepper. Reduce heat to very low and simmer with pan partially covered for 40 min. Stir occasionally. Optional: Sauté cut Italian sausage initially, but pour off most of the fat before adding the onions.