1-In the first step, spend about 5 minutes on mise en place: Gather the tomatoes, garlic, oil, vinegary, and herbs. If using larger tomatoes, quarter them; for cherry or plum types, just halve them. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and have a spoon handy.

2-Next, sauté the aromatics for 3 4 minutes: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and toss in the minced garlic and any onions if you’re adding them. Cook until fragrant and golden, which takes about 3 minutes, then stir to avoid burning.

3-For the third step, sear the tomatoes for 6 8 minutes: Crank the heat back to medium-high and add the tomatoes. Let them blister for 1 2 minutes before stirring, then press them gently to burst. Keep cooking until the juices thicken and flavors concentrate.

4-Then, season and simmer for 4 6 minutes: Stir in the balsamic vinegar, optional sweetener, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let it simmer to blend everything together, tasting as you go.

5-Finish with herbs in 1 2 minutes: Take it off the heat and mix in your fresh herbs like basil. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for some heat if you like it spicy.

6-Let it cool for 5 10 minutes before storing: Transfer to a jar once it’s cool, and it’s ready to use as a dip Recht or topping. This step ensures the spread thickens up nicely for your meals. For the external link, learn about the benefits of olive oil that make it a star in this recipe.