Description
Craft the best cherry tomato spaghetti sauce with this easy, flavorful recipe. Perfect for weeknights, this sauce delivers vibrant, fresh taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (approx. 900g) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4–5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely diced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional, or a sprig of fresh)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water (or a splash of red wine)
- 1/4–1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp balsamic vinegar or 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Ingredients: Wash and halve all cherry tomatoes. Mince garlic and finely dice onion/shallot.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics & Tomatoes: In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add halved tomatoes, garlic, onion, dried oregano (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until tomatoes begin to burst and soften.
- 3. Simmer the Sauce: Add vegetable broth (or water/wine) to the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or longer for deeper flavor. Gently crush some of the tomatoes with the back of a spoon.
- 4. Finish and Season: Stir in fresh basil, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add balsamic vinegar or butter if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins