Saute' onions & garlic in oil until brown (about 15 to 30 min) stiring often to avoid burning. Put aside 1 Tbls of mixture from the pot for making meatballs. Add 1 lb ground beef in with the onions mixture cutting the meat into small pieces. Stir & mix well on a medium flame. Let saute'.

Add salt & pepper and mix well. Add paste, mix thoroughly, let simmer a few minutes until mixture begins to boil. Add sauce, fill 3 empty cans with water and add to mixture. Add puree, stir and simmer a few minutes longer. Add cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, fennel seed, anisette, & oregano. Mix well. Add sugar (or substitute) and mix well. Simmer for 2 hours. Continue stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Use a spoon to skim the oil that rises to the surface.

Meatballs: Use the rest of the meat. Add egg and onion mixture which was put aside. Add bread crumbs (for low-carb subsitute ground pork rines), 1 tsp salt, 3 Tbls sauce from pot, cup water. Mix well and make into golf ball size meatballs. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Add to sauce and continue to simmer for 1 more hour