Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce
Experience the vibrant taste of summer with my Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce! This easy recipe transforms sweet cherry tomatoes into a rich, savoury sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a flavorful base for various dishes. Simple to prepare and bursting with fresh flavour, it’s a versatile kitchen staple you’ll love.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Blender or food processor
- Knife and chopping board
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cherry tomatoes halved
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 onion roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons packed light-brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s hot enough to roast the tomatoes to perfection.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil. Ensure that everything mixes well with the tomatoes and onions are evenly coated with the oil.
- Sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes over the tomato mixture. Give it another toss to distribute the seasonings.
- Spread the seasoned tomatoes and onions on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are tender and have caramelized edges. The aroma will be irresistible!
- Once roasted, transfer the tomatoes and any juices from the baking sheet into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar, chopped basil, fresh thyme, and light-brown sugar. Blend briefly to mix everything. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Use the sauce immediately or let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
While cherry tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and size, you can also use grape tomatoes or even small heirloom varieties. Just keep in mind that different tomatoes may affect the overall flavour and texture of the sauce.