This is a classic and simple recipe and yet the addition of butter makes a distinct and rich difference that I love. The original recipe instructs you to put in a whole onion and then remove it from the sauce before serving. I just can’t do that…I saute chopped onion before adding the tomatoes and butter and they remain part of the sauce. I like the additional texture it brings to the dish. I also add some garlic, just because. Because I like garlic!
Although perfect with the whole stick of butter, if making for myself, I will cut that portion in half and it’s almost as good! Depending on my mood, I’ll add balsamic, it’s not necessary but sometimes I just like the extra touch.
Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter
Ingredients
- 1 large can whole, peeled, canned plum tomatoes, chopped, with their juices (about one 28-oz. can)
- 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow or white onion, diced
- 3-5 garlic cloves
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 1-2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar (optional)
- Parmesan cheese
Preparation
- Saute the onions for 5 minutes in 1 Tbsp olive oil combined with 2 Tbsp of butter; add the garlic and saute another two minutes.
- Combine the tomatoes, their juices, remaining butter and balsamic vinegar if using it, with the onion in a medium saucepan. Add a pinch or two of salt.
- Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, at a very slow but steady simmer, adjusting the heat as necessary, for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally, mashing any large pieces of tomato with the back of a wooden spoon. Taste and salt as needed.
- I do use a stick blender at the end to process up some of the tomatoes and onion; just personal choice.
- Serve over thin spaghetti or angel hair. Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan.
Yield: approx 6 servings
Adapted from Marcella Hazan’s Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking.
















{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Barbara…..this is the best sauce to prepare in a pinch, but I’m using fresh tomatoes from my sister-in-laws garden. I’m boiling them, peeling them, putting a few spices in and using them for the recipe. I will then, freeze the sauce to use this winter when I start my new life on my own!!!! Looking forward to report the outcome to you!!!! :-) Thanks for your great blog!!!!!!! –Tonia
Even better with fresh tomatoes but you are so right…it’s my go to sauce when I’m hungry for something other than a leftover for dinner!
Yum. Your pasta recipe sounds so delicious. Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing.
Hope you enjoy it; it’s my go to dish for when I have no time but am craving something other than a sandwich or salad.
YUM! Thank you for linking me to this. Will be making it this week!
Let me know how you like it. It seems to be my go to dish when I’m hungry for something good but not feeling like cooking much (yes, it’s true, it happens!).