What You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds of fresh cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Preparing the Cherry Tomatoes
Start by washing the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel and remove the stems. If desired, you can cut the cherry tomatoes in half to release their flavors more easily during the cooking process.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, sautéing them until they become fragrant and slightly golden. This will form the flavor base of your tomato sauce.
Step 3: Cooking the Cherry Tomatoes
Add the prepared cherry tomatoes to the saucepan, gently stirring them with the sautéed aromatics. Allow the tomatoes to cook down and release their juices before proceeding to the next step. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Seasoning the Sauce
Once the cherry tomatoes have cooked down, sprinkle them with sugar, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
Step 5: Simmering and Thickening
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for approximately 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
Step 6: Blending or Leaving Chunky
At this point, you have the option to either leave the sauce chunky or blend it for a smoother consistency. If you prefer a chunky sauce, simply skip this step. However, if you desire a smoother texture, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend until you achieve the desired consistency.
Step 7: Serving and Storing
Your homemade cherry tomato sauce is now ready to be served! It pairs well with pasta, pizzas, grilled vegetables, and various meat dishes. If you have any leftovers, allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for longer shelf life.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making tomato sauce with cherry tomatoes, you can elevate your culinary creations with this flavorful condiment. Experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize the sauce according to your taste preferences. Enjoy!