Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful sauce that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This cherry tomato sauce recipe is your ticket to delicious homemade meals, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. It's bursting with fresh, summery taste and requires minimal ingredients, making it a fantastic option for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a quick and healthy dinner idea. This easy recipe will elevate your pasta dishes, pizzas, and even grilled meats to a whole new level. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
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Add Tomatoes and Spices: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened and broken down, creating a rich sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Enhance the Flavor (Optional): If desired, stir in the balsamic vinegar during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This adds a delightful tanginess and complexity to the sauce.
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Blend for Smoothness (Optional): For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the mixture after cooking. Alternatively, carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
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Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves (if using) before serving. This delicious cherry tomato sauce is perfect over pasta, pizza, grilled chicken or fish, or even as a dip for crusty bread.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cherry Tomato Sauce:
- Use ripe tomatoes: The flavor of your sauce heavily depends on the quality of your tomatoes. Choose ripe, flavorful cherry tomatoes for the best results.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure your saucepan is large enough to accommodate the tomatoes comfortably. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of simmering.
- Adjust cooking time: The cooking time may vary depending on the size and ripeness of your tomatoes. Check frequently and adjust accordingly.
- Taste and adjust: Seasoning is key! Taste your sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your preference.
Variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Herby: Experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
- Creamy: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Roasted: For a deeper, more intense flavor, roast the cherry tomatoes in the oven before adding them to the sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 100-150
- Fat: 5-10g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This easy cherry tomato sauce recipe is a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. It’s a healthy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying way to enjoy fresh, seasonal flavors. From quick weeknight dinners to impressive weekend meals, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!