Imagine a sauce so effortless yet so incredibly delicious that it can turn an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience in just 30 minutes. This Easy Cherry Tomato Sauce is your secret weapon in the kitchen - a vibrant, rustic Italian classic that bursts with fresh flavors and requires minimal ingredients. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary novice, this recipe will make you feel like a professional chef, impressing your family and friends with its simplicity and incredible taste.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves using a sharp knife, ensuring the pieces are uniform in size for even flavor distribution.
- Place a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm and become shimmering but not smoking.
- Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release its aromatic flavors.
- Carefully add the whole cherry tomatoes to the pan, allowing them to cook and begin to blister and soften, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Using the back of a wooden spoon or spatula, gently press some of the tomatoes to help release their juices and create a rustic sauce texture.
- Sprinkle salt to taste, adjusting the seasoning gradually and tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance.
- Continue cooking until the tomatoes have broken down and formed a slightly thickened sauce, approximately 10-12 minutes total.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the sauce rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle over the sauce just before serving to add a bright, fresh aromatic finish.
Tips
- Choose ripe, vibrant cherry tomatoes for the most intense flavor - look for bright, firm tomatoes with a deep red color.
- Use a wide skillet to ensure even cooking and quick blistering of the tomatoes.
- Control your heat carefully when sautéing garlic to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste.
- Don't rush the tomato breaking process - gently pressing them helps release natural sweetness and creates a more authentic sauce texture.
- Fresh basil is crucial - add it at the very end to preserve its bright, aromatic qualities.
- For extra depth, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of good quality balsamic vinegar.
- This sauce is incredibly versatile - use it with pasta, as a pizza base, or even as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 60kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
