Amish-Style Spaghetti Sauce

The Amish have a saying when asked how much of an ingredient you should put in a certain recipe.  The answer is "however much is necessary."    Wie viel ist nötig.
You add however much is necessary to make a make a recipe work or to taste great.  For example, if the tomatoes you use are too acidic, you can add a little sugar. If you like a lot of meat, add more. If you like a thicker sauce, add more tomato paste.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped, about 3/4 cup
• 3 cloves garlic, minced, about 1 tablespoon
• 1/2 cup - fresh basil
• 1 6 oz can tomato paste
• 1 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or to taste
• 4 whole cloves
• Salt and pepper

• Grated Parmesan and Pasta of choice
• Cooked Pasta

Directions

• Brown meat over medium high heat 
• Drain fat.  
• Add olive oil.
• Add chopped onions and sauté until clear and tender.  
• Add minced garlic and stir about one minute.  
• Add basil, tomatoes and tomato paste, Balsamic vinegar, crushed red pepper and cloves.  
• Bring to a boil, then lower temperature to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 hours.  
• Remove the cloves from the sauce. 

Stir pasta and sauce together. Sprinkle with cheese.
Enjoy.

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