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Rustic smashed cherry tomato sauce simmering in a pan with a wooden spoon – an easy homemade pasta sauce with garlic and basil

Smashed Cherry Tomato Sauce

© Chef Laura Bonicelli
A rustic, chunky tomato sauce made from bursting cherry tomatoes, garlic, and thyme — ready in under 40 minutes. Perfect over pasta, spooned next to burrata, or tucked into grain bowls for a fresh, seasonal finish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish - Pasta, Pizza, Sandwich, Rice, MM-Blue
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 167 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 high-sided skillet
  • 1 wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 large garlic cloves chopped
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/4 teaspoon dried
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

to finish

  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • In a large high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, until golden and fragrant.
  • Add the cherry tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to split, about 15 minutes.
  • Use a wooden spoon to gently smash some of the tomatoes, leaving others whole for texture.
  • When the sauce reaches your desired consistency, stir in the basil and Aleppo pepper flakes. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Notes

This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 27mgPotassium: 538mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1327IUVitamin C: 56mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 2mg
Keyword basil, extra-virgin olive oil, thyme
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