Description
A vibrant and easy homemade spaghetti sauce bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh cherry tomatoes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a leisurely Sunday dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (about 900g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional, or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar (to balance acidity)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Ingredients: Halve all cherry tomatoes, mince garlic, and dice onion.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened and translucent (5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3. Add Tomatoes & Simmer: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, dried oregano (if using), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until most tomatoes have burst.
- 4. Crush Tomatoes: Uncover and use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to gently crush the tomatoes against the sides of the pan, leaving some chunks for texture. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- 5. Finish with Fresh Herbs & Adjust: Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar/balsamic if desired to balance flavors.
- 6. Serve: Serve hot over your favorite pasta, garnished with extra fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins