Description
This vibrant cherry tomato spaghetti sauce captures the essence of summer, delivering a sweet and intensely flavorful experience. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying homemade sauce that will elevate any pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (about 900g) fresh cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for finishing
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- ½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- ¼ – ½ tsp granulated sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Prep the Tomatoes: Wash cherry tomatoes and pierce each one once with a small knife or fork. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Tomatoes: Add the pierced cherry tomatoes to the pot. Stir to coat. Add ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes have burst and released their juices.
- Crush and Thicken: Uncover the pot. Using the back of a spoon or a potato masher, gently crush any remaining whole tomatoes against the side of the pot. Simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if needed.
- Finish with Herbs: Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh, chopped basil. Drizzle with a bit more fresh extra virgin olive oil before serving. Serve hot over your favorite spaghetti or pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45-50 mins