Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter . . .

A mother's tomato, butter, and onion sauce unfailingly elicits feelings of comfort and well-being. Its ability to wash away fatigue and anxiety is almost miraculous, and its preparation borders on alchemy. Who would think that simply putting tomatoes, a peeled halved onion, butter, and salt in a pot and cooking it with barely an occasional stir until it is reduced, would produce such concentrated goodness?  Hazan Family Favorites: Beloved Italian Recipes

MAKES 3 CUPS

INGREDIENTS

8 tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed

¼ tsp. sugar

1 (28-oz.) can whole, peeled tomatoes in juice, crushed by hand

1 medium yellow onion, peeled and quartered lengthwise

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Bring butter, sugar, tomatoes, and onion, to a boil in a 4-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat; reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and sauce is slightly reduced, about 45 minutes. Discard onion, and season sauce with salt and pepper before serving.