Description
Discover how to make a delicious cherry tomato spaghetti sauce with this easy to bake, step-by-step recipe for the best flavor. This vibrant sauce bursts with fresh, sweet tomato goodness, perfect for any pasta night.
Ingredients
- 2 pints (about 4 cups) fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2–3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion or 1 large shallot, finely diced
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or 1 small sprig fresh oregano (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, but recommended)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Parmesan rind (optional, for umami)
Instructions
- 1. Prep Ingredients: Halve cherry tomatoes, mince garlic, dice onion/shallot, and tear basil.
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3-5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3. Simmer Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and oregano (if using). Stir, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until tomatoes burst and soften.
- 4. Finish Sauce: Remove lid, increase heat slightly, and simmer for another 5-10 minutes to thicken. Remove oregano sprig. Stir in fresh basil and balsamic vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, sugar, red pepper flakes) as needed.
- 5. Optional Blending: For a smoother sauce, carefully blend a portion or all of the sauce with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until desired consistency is reached.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins