Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe
This recipe screams end of summer. It showcases nature’s finest seasonal tomatoes. I love to use an assortment of cherry tomatoes here because they all have different flavour profiles. If you can find, I’ll often throw in a few beautiful small plum tomatoes as well, but make sure they are soft and ripe and in the height of the season, otherwise cherry tomatoes alone will be just great. This sauce is ideal for pasta, spaghetti squash, but I love it over lightly sautéed zucchini noodles or even as a topping for grilled or steamed asparagus as well.
Ingredients
- About 8-12 cups of assorted cherry
- tomatoes, sliced in half
- 4-5 small ripe (even overripe) plum
- tomatoes, sliced in thick rounds
- ¼ -⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
- finely, (do this with a knife - a garlic press
- or microplane is too fine)
- 1-2 long fresh red chilis, sliced in thin
- rounds
- ½ tsp. sea salt, or to taste
- Plenty of fresh medium-coarse ground
- pepper
- Handful of basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- 1
Over medium high heat, heat the oil in a large sauté pan until shimmering but not smoking.
- 2
Add the garlic and stir so that it does not burn, allow it to start to turn golden and fragrant.
- 3
Add the sliced chili peppers and the cut tomatoes, turn the heat to high, and cook, tossing every minute or so until the tomatoes have broken down, released their juices and have mostly evaporated. You should have a thick sauce with many tomatoes that have still held their shape. It will take 10-15 minutes.
- 4
Turn the heat off, add salt and pepper, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 5
Add the basil and let cool or sit until you need it. You can use the sauce right away, let it sit all day on the stovetop, refrigerate overnight or freeze. Serves 6 (enough for 1 bag pasta)
Tips & Storage
- How to Store
- Store in a glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. Most homemade condiments and dressings keep well for 1-2 weeks.
- Serving Tip
- Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. Shake or stir well, as homemade dressings may separate.
- Batch Cooking Tip
- Make a double or triple batch — homemade condiments elevate any meal and are so much healthier than store-bought versions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce?
This Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce recipe by Carolyn Cohen includes step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. You'll need 14 ingredients and the recipe is designed for home cooks of all skill levels.
What goes well with this fresh cherry tomato sauce?
This recipe pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try it as part of a complete meal with complementary sides, salads, or proteins.