Simple, yet Savory: The Perfect Combination of Bacon and Cherry Tomatoes in a Marinara Sauce
As the summer months approach, our taste buds begin to crave lighter, fresher flavors that evoke the feeling of warmth and sunshine. One of the most simple yet satisfying ways to do this is by combining two of the season’s stars – bacon and cherry tomatoes – in a rich and tangy marinara sauce.
The Perfect Ingredients
To make this incredible sauce, you’ll need just a few essential ingredients:
- 6-8 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cups of canned crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
The Magic of Bacon and Cherry Tomatoes
The key to this sauce’s success lies in the harmonious balance between the smoky, savory flavor of the bacon and the sweet, bursting flavor of the cherry tomatoes. As the bacon sizzles in the pan, its crispy edges infuse the sauce with a satisfying crunch, while the cherry tomatoes add a pop of juicy freshness.
Simple Preparation
To make the sauce, simply cook the bacon in a large saucepan over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the rendered fat in the pan and add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and lightly golden.
Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to release their juices and soften slightly. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the pan, stirring to combine.
Finishing Touches
Add the cooked bacon back into the saucepan, stirring to combine with the tomato mixture. Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Serve and Enjoy
This simple yet extraordinary sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or even as a dip for your favorite snacks. Try serving it over spaghetti with grilled chicken or shrimp for a light and satisfying dinner.
Tips and Variations
- For an extra boost of flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a pinch of dried oregano to the sauce.
- To make the sauce more substantial, add some cooked sautéed spinach or roasted bell peppers.
- Experiment with different types of tomatoes, such as heirloom or grape tomatoes, for a unique flavor profile.
In conclusion, the combination of crispy bacon and sweet cherry tomatoes in a rich marinara sauce is a match made in heaven. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a sauce that’s sure to become a summer staple. So go ahead, fire up the grill, and get ready to indulge in the perfect blend of smoky, savory, and sweet!
Simple Bacon and Cherry Tomato Marinara
Full recipe, tips, & tricks: [YouTube](https://youtu.be/jMvIyhMX9OA)
# Ingredients:
* 1 small shallot
* 1 hot pepper
* 2 garlic cloves
* 1 tbsp fresh parsley
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* 70g / 2.5oz bacon
* 30g / 1.05oz parmigiano
* 150ml / 5oz marinara
* 50ml / 1.7oz dry white wine
* Few leaves of fresh basil
* 250g / 8.8oz spaghetti
* 1 tsp salt
* 0.5 tsp black pepper
* 1 tbsp salt for pasta
# Instructions:
1. Cut the bacon into lardons and fry until crispy.
2. Set the bacon aside, but keep the fat in the pan to fry the shallot and hot pepper until they soften.
3. Season with oregano and grate 2 garlic cloves.
4. Cut cherry tomatoes into quarters, add them to the pan, and season with salt.
5. Add roughly chopped parsley and let it simmer.
6. When the tomatoes soften, add dry white wine and cook until it evaporates.
7. Season your marinara with black pepper, then add it to the pan.
8. Add the crispy bacon, mix well, and cook on low heat for about 5 minutes.
9. Add pasta water and bring to a boil.
10. Combine al dente spaghetti (follow packaging instructions) with your sauce and finish cooking them in the pan for about 2 minutes.
11. Sprinkle with some Parmesan and a few leaves of fresh basil.
# Tip:
Do not cook with wine you wouldn’t drink, it keeps the taste.
That looks great, in it’s simplicity. Looks really amazing.
Mouth watering!!
Looks super yummy!
My family has made tomatoes and bacon on macaroni for decades. It’s great.
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Looks delicious
I have prosciutto in my fridge, I’ll use that to make one now. Yum!
Looks amazing
I loved making this and it was tasty, I did really obliterate the cherry tomatoes and they cooked down so much. Tips on level of heat and timing? It was still super tasty 😋 thanks so much!
Add marinara to make marinara?