Marcella Hazan's Classic Tomato Sauce

I saw this in Saveur magazine's top 100 Classic Dishes issue.  Marcella Hazan is one of the top Italian chefs in the world.  This sauce is so simple it will become a staple in my freezer.  Put on pasta, serve with meatball sandwiches, top chicken breasts with sauce and then top with your favorite Italian cheese.  Bon Appetito!

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.