Jo Mama's World Famous Spaghetti

• 
  
• 2 lbs Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or hot)
• 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
• 3 -4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 2 cups water (for a long period of simmering for flavors to meld. If you don't want to simmer it as long, add less)
• 3 teaspoons basil
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup red wine (a good Cabernet!)
• 1 lb thin spaghetti
• parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. 1
   In large, heavy stockpot, brown Italian sausage, breaking up as you stir.
2. 2
   Add onions and continue to cook, stirring occasionally until onions are softened.
3. 3
   Add garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce and water.
4. 4
   Add basil, parsley, brown sugar, salt, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.
5. 5
   Stir well and barely bring to a boil.
6. 6
   Stir in red wine.
7. 7
   Simmer on low, stirring frequently for at least an hour. A longer simmer makes for a better sauce, just be careful not to let it burn!
8. 8
   Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
9. 9
   Spoon sauce over drained spaghetti noodles and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.