Description
Discover the best flavor in this cherry tomato spaghetti sauce recipe. A step-by-step guide to a delicious and easy to make sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 pints (about 4 cups) fresh cherry tomatoes, halved or left whole
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (for depth)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes and Aromatics. Wash cherry tomatoes. Halve them for quicker breakdown or leave whole. Thinly slice garlic.
- Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics: Building the Flavor Base. Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Step 3: Simmering the Tomatoes: When to Crush Them. Add cherry tomatoes to the pan. Season generously with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high until sizzling, then reduce to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. After 15 minutes, gently crush some tomatoes with a potato masher or fork for desired consistency. Continue simmering, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Step 4: Seasoning and Tasting: Adjusting as You Go. Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, sugar, or balsamic vinegar as needed to balance flavors.
- Step 5: Finishing with Fresh Herbs. Remove from heat. Stir in chopped fresh basil. Drizzle with a final touch of extra virgin olive oil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins