Description
A vibrant and fresh cherry tomato spaghetti sauce that bursts with natural sweetness and aromatic herbs. This quick recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup dry red wine or balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped or torn
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Pinch of sugar if tomatoes are tart
Instructions
- 1. Prep Ingredients: Wash tomatoes, mince garlic, dice onion, and chop basil.
- 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 red pepper flakes, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3. Build Sauce Base: Add cherry tomatoes to the pan. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring, until tomatoes burst (8-10 mins). Press any un-burst tomatoes with a spoon. Pour in red wine or balsamic vinegar and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- 4. Simmer to Perfection: Reduce heat to low. Stir in dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes are fully broken down and sauce has thickened.
- 5. Finish: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins