Cherry Tomato Freezer Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 ccherry tomatoes
any color or size
- drizzle of olive oil
optional
- to tastesalt & pepper
- 2 clovesgarlic
- few sprigs of thyme
oregano, and/or basil
- 2 pincheschili flakes
Directions
Sauce instructions
- 1
Use an oven-proof caserole dish of any size. I enjoy using a 9x13 pan and getting in about 4-6 cups of tomatoes. Adjust as necessary (smaller pan, less tomatoes), or even double the pan and double the tomatoes.
- 2
Simply gather enough cherry tomatoes so they lay in a single layer. Feel free to use any shape of cherry tomato: small, medium, yellow pear tomatoes, anything you have. If you have some medium sized tomatoes (like I did), you can quarter then and add them in also. Just get them all in one layer for the pan you're using.
- 3
Pierce all tomatoes with a knife so they don't pop in the oven. If your tomatoes are a bit on the bigger cherry size, quarter them.
- 4
Drizzle with a little olive oil (very optional ~ you can make this completely fat free), and throw in the garlic.
- 5
Add a few sprigs of thyme, oregano, and/or basil, salt, and pepper.
- 6
Roast at 375 degrees for about 40 minutes, until the tomato skins have broken and released some juices.
- 7
Let cool, remove the herbs, and process in a food processor. I like to add a pinch or two of chili flakes at this point. I also pulse mine so it remains relatively chunky, but you can go all the way and make it smooth. Taste for seasoning and adjust.
Freezing instructions
- 1
Add the sauce to freezer bags, labeled and dated.
- 2
Leave headspace, about an inch or two, so that if the sauce expands when frozen the bag won't pop. Pinch the bag to release extra air and seal it.
- 3
Freeze flat. When frozen, you can line all the bags up together in a row for easy freezer storage.
Cherry Tomato Freezer Sauce
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About this Recipe
Are you overwhelmed by summer's bounty of cherry tomatoes? This simple Cherry Tomato Freezer Sauce is your perfect solution, transforming fresh produce into a savory staple ready for cozy winter meals. It's designed to capture the vibrant essence of peak-season tomatoes, ensuring that sweet, juicy flavor is available year-round. This approach saves you time and reduces food waste, making the most of your garden's generosity.
What makes this recipe special is its ability to quickly come together with just a few staple ingredients, creating a richly flavored base that’s far superior to many store-bought options. The combination of fresh cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a hint of warm chili flakes creates a depth of flavor that feels both comforting and bright. It's a testament to how simple ingredients can yield truly delicious results.
You'll discover a bright, savory sauce bursting with the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes, beautifully complemented by aromatic garlic and a hint of warmth from chili flakes. The fresh herbs—whether it's thyme, oregano, or basil—add a layer of earthy complexity that sings of summer gardens. This versatile sauce is designed to be your secret weapon for quick weeknight dinners, bringing homemade flavor to any dish even when fresh tomatoes are out of season.
Feel free to use any mix of cherry tomato colors or sizes; they all contribute beautiful flavor. Experiment with your favorite fresh herbs—a combination of thyme and basil is lovely, or just use one. Adjust the chili flakes to your preferred level of heat, or omit them entirely for a milder sauce. For an extra rich flavor, don't skip the drizzle of olive oil.
This versatile freezer sauce is ideal for preparing ahead, ensuring you have a taste of summer ready for hearty pasta dishes, homemade pizzas, or as a flavorful base for stews and braises when the cold weather sets in.