Description
Craft the best cherry tomato spaghetti sauce with this simple, step-by-step guide. Enjoy a vibrant, rustic sauce perfect for any garden dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 6 cups) fresh cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- Optional: 2 tablespoons dry white wine or balsamic vinegar
- Optional: Pinch of sugar (to balance acidity)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep Ingredients: Wash tomatoes. Mince garlic and finely dice onion.
- Step 2: Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent (5-7 mins). Add garlic and cook until fragrant (1 min).
- Step 3: Cook Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Increase heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes burst and soften (10-15 mins). Gently mash some tomatoes with a spoon or potato masher.
- Step 4: Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using, add balsamic vinegar now.
- Step 5: Finish: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve immediately with pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins