Tomato-Onion-Butter Sauce: Making a Childhood Favourite

Like most people I have some recipes that are special and close to my heart because they come from my childhood. Often simple comforting recipes, or traditional family recipes that just give us a hug and make us feel all warm and fuzzy. Cheesy, I know (although in this one there isn’t much cheese).

Today, I’d like to share with you one of those kind of recipes.

My mom used to make this one for an easy lunch or dinner sometimes, often if I was sick and wanting something comforting. It’s super easy, quick, and I think it gave her a break from the elaborate dinners she often cooked.

I’ve actually slightly adapted the recipe since learning it from my mom but it’s still as simple and just as delicious.

What you’ll need:

• 1/4 (ish) cup of butter
• 1 garlic clove diced
• 1 onion diced
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• salt, pepper, basil or oregano
• 1-3 portions of pasta (a smaller coiled shape like rotini works best to hold the sauce, or even cheese tortellini)
• Parmesan cheese

1. Melt about a 1/4 cup of butter in the bottom of a medium pot (if it’s a little bit less that’s okay). Add in the diced onion and garlic and allow to gently soften.
2. Once the onion and garlic are softened (not browned), add in the whole can of diced tomatoes including the liquid.
3. Add in salt, pepper, oregano or basil and let it gently simmer for about 20-30 minutes so it can reduce a little and the flavours can combine.
4. Boil a pot of water and cook your pasta.
5. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, you can combine the sauce and pasta and top it all off with some Parmesan cheese.

This really is such an easy and tasty sauce. The butter gives it a lovely richness and contrast to the acidity of the tomatoes and onions. The onions get nice and soft and warm, almost melt-y, cooking in the butter and tomato liquid.

It’s extra yummy served over some cheese tortellini if you’ve got it on hand. My husband and I love to make this as an easy dinner especially if one of us isn’t feeling great. It’s great to serve with a side salad, or some warm baguette, or just on its own.

I’d love to hear from you about your comfort recipes from your childhood, or if you give this one a try!

Write soon,

Hannah B.L.