Sunset Tomatoes

Spending time on a dish is an important part of cooking and for some ingredients it makes all the difference in the world. This is a ode to the sweetness of the cherry tomato. I’m still surprised how luxurious one can make the simple tomato by allowing it some time to heat up. This is true for a simple tomato sauce as much as it is for this oven dish.

After a long working day we really don’t care for a complicated recipe or spending a lot of time in the kitchen. (no matter how much we love to cook) This recipe has the best of both worlds: a simple recipe that doesn’t need to much attention with all the luxurious taste of a difficult dish.

INGREDIENTS (serves 4)

2 kg Cherry Tomatoes 2 tsp. Of each: Rosemary, Oregano and Thyme 4 tbsp. Olive Oil 3 cloves Garlic 3 Bay leaves A pinch of Pepper A pinch of Salt 3 tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar 4 tbsp. Cherry Beer

1. Pre-heat the oven on 175 degrees Celsius. Take an oven dish that is large enough for all the tomatoes to lay in a single layer (or the largest that fits in your oven).

2. Wash the Tomatoes and spread in the oven dish without drying them. Sprinkle the green herbs and Olive Oil on top.

3. Crush the Garlic (no need to peel them) and drop them in the mix together with the Bay Leaves. Add some fresh ground Pepper and Salt.

4. Splash in the Balsamic Vinegar and Cherry Beer.

5. Use your hands to gently mix everything without crushing the Tomatoes. Make sure all Tomatoes are covered in a thin layer of Oil.

6. Put in the over for about 45 minutes or until most of the Tomatoes have burst. Serve in a bowl with the juices.

7. WARNING: Be careful while eating the unburst Tomatoes. They are full of really hot juices and ready to burst.

Serving Tips:

The warm juices are possible the best part of this dish. We always serve it with a warm Focaccia or similar dipping bread. Usually we bake this bread besides/above the Tomatoes to have it warm when eating.

If you want some meat added to this dish, Beef Chipolata is a perfect combination. Add this just before mixing and make sure they are also covered in Oil. Let them end on top and turn them over half way through the oven time.