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Slow-Simmered Cherry Tomato Sauce with Basil and Garlic

This cherry tomato sauce is made by gently simmering fresh tomatoes with garlic and basil, creating a tender, vibrant sauce with a slightly chunky texture. The process involves slow cooking to meld flavors and develop a rich, fragrant aroma, resulting in a bright, slightly thickened dish that coats pasta beautifully.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes preferably ripe and sweet
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup dry red wine optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed chili flakes or to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, letting it shimmer and warm the air with a fragrant aroma.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the pan, stirring gently until it becomes fragrant and golden around the edges, about 30 seconds.
  3. Toss in the cherry tomatoes, pressing them lightly with the back of a spoon to help release their juices as they start to soften and burst, filling the kitchen with a sweet, tangy aroma.
  4. Pour in the red wine and stir everything together, allowing the mixture to simmer gently until the tomatoes break down further and the sauce thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes. Keep the heat low to avoid boiling.
  5. Sprinkle in the crushed chili flakes and season with salt and pepper, stirring to distribute evenly, then simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  6. Stir in the chopped basil leaves, letting their fragrant oils infuse the sauce for a minute or two. The sauce should be bright and slightly chunky with tender tomatoes.
  7. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili flakes if needed. Serve the sauce hot over your favorite pasta, garnished with extra basil if desired.

Notes

For a smoother sauce, mash some of the softened tomatoes with the back of a spoon during cooking. The sauce tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.