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Easy Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe for Freezing and Meal Prep

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A quick and easy cherry tomato sauce with a silky texture and bursts of tomato sweetness, perfect for freezing and meal prep. This sauce is fresh, bright, and versatile for pasta, bruschetta, and more.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 grams) fresh cherry tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water

Instructions

  1. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes.
  2. Heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and release their juices.
  5. Pour in 1/4 cup water, stir, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  6. Season with dried oregano, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and add white sugar if the sauce is too acidic.
  7. Stir in the fresh basil leaves just before removing from heat.
  8. Optional: Use an immersion blender to pulse the sauce a few times for a smoother texture, or keep it chunky.
  9. Let the sauce cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving about half an inch headspace.
  10. Label containers with the date and freeze for up to 6 months.

Notes

Do not rush the simmer to avoid watery or burnt sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add fresh herbs like basil at the end to keep flavor vibrant. Freeze in small portions for quick thawing and minimal waste. If sauce is too thick after thawing, stir in a splash of water or broth. For a creamy twist, stir in ricotta when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry tomato sauce, fresh tomato sauce, easy tomato sauce, meal prep sauce, freezer-friendly sauce, vegan tomato sauce, gluten-free tomato sauce

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/easy-fresh-cherry-tomato-sauce-recipe-for-freezing-and-meal-prep/