There’s something absolutely magical about a tomato bursting with flavor. You know, like when you bite into one and it just pops?
That’s the kind of sensory joy this easy burst tomato spread delivers. It’s sunshine on a slice of bread, as if summer decided to stick around a little longer—just for you.
Even my cat, who’s usually indifferent to kitchen happenings, seems intrigued by the aroma.
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add minced garlic with crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about a minute, stirring occasionally to lightly cook the garlic.
- Add cherry or grape tomatoes to the pan and stir to combine with the garlic mixture. Cover the pan and let the tomatoes cook, stirring occasionally, until they burst and release their juices to form a sauce, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Uncover the pan and continue simmering the mixture for an additional 3-4 minutes to thicken the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in balsamic vinegar, along with any sweetener or herbs you choose to add. Taste the spread and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the warm tomato spread with your favorite crusty bread and enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 dry pints (equivalent to 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1–2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- (optional) 1 teaspoon brown sugar or preferred sweetener
- Fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste
FAQ
- Can I use different types of tomatoes for this spread?
- While this recipe specifically calls for cherry or grape tomatoes due to their quick cooking time and natural sweetness, you can experiment with other types of tomatoes. Just keep in mind that larger tomatoes may take longer to cook and might require additional seasoning to achieve the desired flavor.
- Is it necessary to add sugar to the tomato spread?
- Adding a teaspoon of sugar (or your preferred sweetener) is optional and depends on the sweetness of your tomatoes. If your tomatoes are already sweet, you might not need to add any sugar. It’s there to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar.
- What can I use as a substitute for balsamic vinegar?
- If you’re not a fan of balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar for a different, yet delicious flavor profile. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preference.
- How can I make the tomato spread spicier?
- To increase the spiciness of the spread, simply double or triple the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the level of heat according to your preference.
- Can I add herbs to the spread, and if so, which ones work best?
- Yes, adding herbs can enhance the flavor of the spread. Fresh Italian herbs such as basil, rosemary, thyme, or parsley work well. If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use a few teaspoons of Italian seasoning.
Tips
- Use High-Quality Balsamic Vinegar: Since the balsamic vinegar acts as a finishing touch for this spread, opt for a high-quality version to enhance the flavor. If you enjoy a stronger balsamic taste, consider doubling the amount.
- Add a Sweetener for Balance: If your tomatoes are not particularly sweet, add a teaspoon of sugar or your preferred sweetener to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar.
- Incorporate Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, mix in some freshly chopped Italian herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary. If fresh herbs aren’t available, a few teaspoons of Italian seasoning can also work.
- Experiment with Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Increase the quantity if you prefer a spicier spread.
Equipment
- Large sauté pan
- Garlic mincer or press
- Measuring spoons
