Spaghetti

Ingredients:
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 lbs Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or hot)
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
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
1 lb thin spaghetti