Simple Tasty Red Sauce

This sauce doesn't take all day, has bold flavor and can be multiplied easily for large entrees.  It can be frozen and used as needed, as well.  As described it makes 3 cups -- enough for 1 pound of dried pasta & marinara. I even made this while we were vacationing because it's so simple.


Ingredients
2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, grated
1/4 tsp dried oregano
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 - 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1/4 tsp sugar
6 leaves roughly chopped basil (optional, but if you have it, I recommend it!)
kosher salt
black pepper

Non-standard supplies
None

Instructions

1. Melt butter in saucepan
2. Add onion, oregano and 1/2 tsp salt.  Stir occasionally.until onions begin to caramelize and liquid is gone  (5 min?)
3. Add garlic, stir, but don't cook.  After 30 seconds, add tomatoes and sugar.
4. Increase heat.  Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Off heat, add fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil (optional)

Variations
Add red pepper flakes for heat, increase sweetness with more sugar, use 1/4 tsp dried basil in lieu of fresh.