Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Cherry Tomato Sauce is a simple, fresh way to enjoy summer’s sweetest tomatoes. With just a few ingredients, you can create a vibrant sauce that’s perfect for pasta, bruschetta, or as a base for other dishes.
Ingredients
- 24 oz cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh basil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the olive oil, onion, and garlic to a large pan or skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté gently for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add the cherry tomatoes and fresh basil to the pan. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine, then simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cherry tomatoes burst. If some tomatoes remain whole, press them gently with the back of your utensil to release their juices.
- Step 3: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm with your favorite dish.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother sauce, blend partially or fully after cooking.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use fresh herbs like oregano or thyme instead of basil for a different flavor.
- Try roasting the cherry tomatoes first for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
Storage
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. This sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, but cherry tomatoes are preferred for their natural sweetness and quick cooking time. If using larger tomatoes, chop them into small pieces and adjust the simmering time accordingly.
Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Absolutely. Cherry tomato sauce freezes well. Just cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
PrintCherry Tomato Sauce Recipe
This Cherry Tomato Sauce recipe is a simple, fresh, and flavorful sauce made by simmering cherry tomatoes with garlic, onion, and basil. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce, it highlights the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes enhanced by aromatic herbs and olive oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 2½ cups (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 24 oz cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh basil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the olive oil, finely diced onion, and minced garlic to a large pan or skillet over medium-low heat. Sauté gently for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant, creating the flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add Tomatoes and Basil: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and roughly chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Combine all ingredients well.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the mixture simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the cherry tomatoes to burst and release their juices. If some tomatoes remain whole, gently press them with the back of your cooking utensil to break them down and release more flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the sauce and add more salt or black pepper as needed. Serve the sauce warm over your favorite dishes and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use fresh basil leaves or substitute with dried basil if fresh is unavailable, but add dried basil earlier during the cooking for better flavor infusion.
- This sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- To make it smoother, you can blend the sauce after cooking, though it’s delicious as is.
- Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Keywords: cherry tomato sauce, tomato sauce, easy tomato sauce, stovetop sauce, Italian sauce, fresh tomato sauce
