Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Cherry Tomato Sauce is a simple, fresh, and vibrant way to elevate your pasta or any dish needing a bright tomato touch. Made with sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, it comes together quickly and bursts with flavor.

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

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-low heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, then sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add the cherry tomatoes and roughly chopped basil to the pan. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine, then simmer for 10-15 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the sauce thickens. If some tomatoes stay whole, gently press them with the back of your cooking utensil.
3. Step 3: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or black pepper if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh cherry tomato sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother sauce, blend half of the cooked sauce before serving.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• Use fresh oregano or thyme in place of basil for a different herb flavor.
• Stir in grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for extra richness.

Storage

Store the cherry tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the sauce for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes for this sauce?

Yes, you can use grape tomatoes or regular tomatoes chopped into smaller pieces, but cherry tomatoes work best for their sweetness and quick cooking time.

Is this sauce suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 133 reviews

This Cherry Tomato Sauce is a fresh and vibrant sauce made with juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil simmered gently in extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for topping pasta, grilled vegetables, or as a base for various Italian dishes, this easy-to-make sauce highlights the natural sweetness and acidity of cherry tomatoes combined with the subtle warmth of sautéed onion and garlic.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 24 oz cherry tomatoes
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh basil

Oils and Seasonings

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium low heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté gently for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown to avoid bitterness.
2. Add tomatoes and basil: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and roughly chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything to combine well.
3. Simmer and break down tomatoes: Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the cherry tomatoes will burst open, releasing their juices and thickening the sauce. If some tomatoes hold their shape, carefully press them down with the back of a spatula or cooking utensil to help break them apart.
4. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the sauce and add additional salt or black pepper if needed. Once satisfied with the flavor and consistency, remove from heat and serve immediately over your favorite dish or store for later use.

Notes

• Use ripe cherry tomatoes for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
• This sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
• You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat if desired.
• If a smoother texture is preferred, blend the sauce slightly after cooking.
• This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten free.

Keywords: cherry tomato sauce, fresh tomato sauce, vegan tomato sauce, Italian sauce, easy tomato sauce, stovetop sauce